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Rose o* Plymouth -Town 



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ose o 



Plymouth -Town 



A Romantic Comedy in Four Acts 

By 

Beulah Marie Dix 

and 

Evelyn Greenleaf Sutherland 



< 



CHICAGO 
THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY 

CHARLES H. SERGEL. President 



.A 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 

Two Gooies Received 

JAN 4 1909 

Copy n * itt tntry 
UJASS \\ XXC No, 



Copyright, 1903, by Eknest L. Briggs. 
Copyright, 1908, by The Dramatic Publishing Company. 



THIS PLAY IS AVAILABLE FOR AMATEUR PER- 
FORMANCE BY ARRANGEMENT WITH THE 
PUBLISHERS AND PAYMENT OF ROYALTY OF 
TEN DOLLARS FOR EACH PERFORMANCE 



> 



TO 

MISS MINNIE DUPREE 

WHOSE EXQUISITE IMPERSONATION HAS WON 

FOR OUR " ROSE " 

LOVE AND LONG REMEMBRANCE 

THIS HER STORY 
IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED 
BY THE AUTHORS. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS. 



Miles Standish, Captain of Plymouth 
Garrett Foster, of Weston's men 
John Margeson, 



of the Plymouth colonists 
Philippe de la Noye, 

Miriam Chillingsley, cousin to the Captain 

Barbara Standish, wife to the Captain 

Resolute Story, aunt to the Captain 

Rose de la Noye 

Place: Plymouth in New England 
Period : 1622-1623 



Act I. An Early Morning in August. — Sto- 
len Fruit. 

Act II. An Afternoon in October. — A Maid's 
Toys. 

Act III. A Night in March. — The Red Light 
on the Snow. 

Act IV. The Next Afternoon. — The Better 

Man. 



A ROSE O 9 PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

ACT I. 

Scene. The kitchen of Captain Standish's 
house. A rude, early -colonial interior, 
with a great fireplace at L. At R. 3. a 
-flight of stairs goes up to the garret 
chambers. Door R. 1. to inner rooms. At 
C. the entrance door. Latticed ivindows, 
L. C. and L. 3. A cupboard with dishes 
and household utensils beneath the stairs 
at R. A great settle before the fireplace. 
A rude table at R. A heavy old chair or 
two, and some stools about the room. 
When the curtain rises the lattices are 
swung wide and the door C. is open, giv- 
ing a vieiv of Plymouth harbor and the 
Manomet headlands, dim and gray in the 
early dawn. As the act goes on, the 
gray light changes to rosy dawn-light, 
ivhich brightens to sunlight at the en- 
trance of Rose de la Noye. Before the 
curtain rises there is distinctly heard a 
murmur of men's voices, a sharp, mili- 
tary-sounding order or two, the clash of 
armor, and the retreating* of heavy, 

9 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

marching feet. At rise of curtain, Bar- 
bara Standish, a comely young matron, 
is looking out at the door C. To her 
enter R. 3. Miriam Chilling sley , a slender 
young Puritan maid, dressed hastily, as 
if newly risen, and with a nightcap tied 
under her chin. 

Miriam. Mistress Standish! [Runs 
down stairs.] Oh, Mistress Standish! 

Barbara. Why, child, what called you 
from your hed so early? 

[Enter R. 1. Aunt Resolute Story, a 
plump old gentlewoman, in a short 
bed-gown, worn over an elaborately 
quilted petticoat, and a frilled 
nightcap.] 

Aunt Resolute. Called her from hed? 
'Tis enough to call any poor hody from 
their last hed of all — this growling o* men, 
and clash o' breast-plates, and trampling 
as of Bashan bulls — and the sun not over 
the sea-edge! Truly, one should have 
nerves of bow-string, ere one come to so 
nerve-racking a corner! What's toward! 
[Sits on settle.] 

Miriam. Ay, what is it hath happened? 

10 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

I heard men speak, and Eose — she hath 
ran away and left me — she's nowhere in 
the room. 

Baebaka. 'Tis no cause for fear. The 
Captain was summoned in haste, and as 
we were already well roused up, our wild 
Eose was loath to creep hack to bed on so 
fair a morning. She hath run to the 
spring — 

Aunt Eesolute. The Captain summoned 1 
"What is amiss? Who hath done wrong? 

Barbara. Nay, whence begins all the 
wrong in our little colony in these days? 
[She begins to set the room to rights, 
straightening chairs, wiping and arranging 
dishes in cupboard, etc.] 

Miriam. 'Tis again those lusty men of 
Master Weston's — they who are staying 
with us till they plant their settlement at 
Wessagusett ? 

v Barbara. Ay, another brawl in the quar- 
ters of Master Weston 's men, and the Cap- 
tain called forth in haste to cool their hot 
bloods. 

Miriam. Those wicked firebrands! I 
heard John Margeson say they were naught 

11 



A ROSE 0> PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

but the off-scourings of London's streets 
and prisons. 

Aunt Resolute. John Margeson! Ay, 
a worthy citizen he of our new, merry 
commonwealth of Plymouth! A merry 
commonwealth, good lack ! A block-house, 
psalms a plenty, and now and then a bear ! 

v Bakbaka. Nay, sure, dear Aunt, our lit- 
tle Plymouth, far though it be, is a sweet 
and quiet spot. 

Aunt Resolute. Quiet? Quiet! Good 
lack, so is the grave quiet ! An you be so 
fain to be quiet, why not go further than 
Plymouth, to the one place quieter than 
Plymouth? [Points upward.] 

Bakbaka. Pray you, Aunt, an you hold 
our poor Plymouth so in contempt, why 
came you hither from your gay London 
town? 

Aunt Resolute. When a female hath 
lived to over-ripe years, she cometh to 
know all the gay thrills that even gay Lon- 
don town can give her. I came to your 
little Plymouth in the hope that I might 
find in the wilderness one last new sensa- 



12 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

lion; and for a new sensation I would go 
to — [Rises excitedly, points downward.'] 

Barbara. [Warningly] Aunt! 

Aunt Resolute. Lord, why shouldn't I 
say the word? One hears it oft enough in 
your endless Plymouth sermons. [Sits.] 

Miriam. And hast thou found thy new 
sensation, Mistress Story? 

Aunt Resolute. "What sensation hath 
your Plymouth to offer, unless sensation 
grow in a cornfield? I go out; I hear the 
men talk of how the corn is growing in the 
fields. I come in; I hear the women talk 
of how the corn is boiling in their kettles. 
Oh, rich sensations has this, your Ply- 
mouth. 

Miriam. Nay, Aunt Resolute. 

Aunt Resolute. Oh, a paradise is Ply- 
mouth to you, little Miriam, since it doth 
nest that rare bird, John Margeson. 

Miriam. Nay, Mistress Story, to speak 
so of an excellent — 

Aunt Resolute. Excellent? Ay, that's 
the plague of it; that so excellent a man 
should be so sad a weakling:. The like of 



13 



A ROSE <T PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

him to speak ill of Weston 's men ! Knaves 
Weston's men may be, but, God wot, they 
have blood in them, ay, red blood, with a 
jump to it! Your excellent Margeson — 
verily, I think his blood is green! 

Mieiam. Oh, Mistress Standish, she 
would rate Master Weston's knaves above 
John Mergeson — those rogues of Wessa- 
gusett men! 

Baebaea. Nay, nay, dear lass, there may c 
be good men in Master Weston's company. 

Mieiam. You may speak forbearingly of 
them, Mistress Standish. And yet you are 
waiting here now, I know, in very fear lest 
they do harm unto the Captain, your hus- 
band. 

Baebaea. Nay, I have no fear for Cap- 
tain Standish, my husband, though the 
whole three score of Weston's bullies were 
pitted against him. 

Aunt Resolute. Ay, my nephew, the 
Captain, hath his faults, but he's no John 
Margeson, to be frightened by the bleat oi" 
a ewe — no, nor by the horns of a ram, 
neither! [Goes up to door C] 



14 







A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Miriam. [In tears.] I scarce awake 
when I'm chidden! 

Bab b&ra. Nay, but we meant not to 
chide yon, dear. [Rose is heard laughing "' 
outside.] Hark! Yonder comes onr Eose 
to sweeten onr humor. Dry thine eyes. 

Miriam. Yea, 'tis Eose indeed. [Runs 
to door C] And with her comes — 

Aunt Eesolute. Your John Margeson, 
mistress. The ewes must lie safe in fold 
since he's abroad. 

Miriam. Ay, 'tis John. 

Aunt Eesolute. Thou art scarce ap- 
parelled for a levee. Thy nightcap — 

Miriam. [Snatching off cap.] Good 
lack, I had forgot ! [Runs upstairs.] But 
you — you also — look but at your cap! 
[Exit Miriam R. 3.] 

Aunt Eesolute. Nay, when a female 
hath lived to my years, it matters little if 
she go abroad nightcapped — or bide at 
home wi' nightcap and naught else! Best 
you fair, niece Barbara, rest you fair! 
[Exit Aunt Resolute R. 1.] 

Barbara. Come your ways in, Eose! 

15 



iJ:^ 




A ROSE O y PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Truly, you bring the sweet o ' the morning 
with you ! 

[Enter C. Rose de la Noye, a little 
curly-haired lass of seventeen, 
dressed after the Puritan fashion, 
but herself without a trace of the 
Puritan in face or bearing. She car- 
ries a red rose in her hand, and 
comes running in, laughing. Behind 
her come Philippe de la Noye, a 
dark, sturdy Hu^umoTTua^df* eight- 
een, and John Marges on, a young 
man in his early tiventies, heavy and 
rather sullen-faced. The tivo lads 
carry between them a bucket of 
water.] 
Eose. Good greeting to you, Mistress 
Barbara. I go forth unattended; I return 
— regard ! f Points i£L JJ3 £^lad&.-whp.„fomj ,e 
paused in doorwaiL] Set down the bucket 
yonder, good servants, and I will prepare 
the breakfast. Come, Mistress Standish, 
what will you? A boiled capon, a roasted 
neat's tongue, a pasty of venison, an olave 
pie, a roasted swan — or a ravishing por- 
ridge of beans? Ah, I know ere I ask. 
'Twill be the divine, the ecstatic bean por- 

16 



A ROSE 0> PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

ridge ! With it I have lived, and with it I 
shall die — and of it I shall die, if I bide out 
my life in this lost corner of the world! 
Why stand you twain idle there I Pray yon 
now, John Margeson, fill me the kettle, and 
you, Brother Philippe, mend me the fire. 

Joh-n". Suffer me do it. [John and Philz 
ippe mmdfire^^ ] 

TJose7"TTow do you go in, mistress^ and 
leave me, for to cook bean porridge doth 
require a skill, a delicacy, the fine hand — 
you Englishwomen have not the art ! 

Babbab a. But little shrew, may I not 
cook in mine own kitchen? 

Rose. What have you, the mistress of 
this castle, to do with cooking? Also, you 
are no cook! Go in and put on a cambric 
kerchief, and so be beautiful to our eyes. 

Babjs aba. Hush, hush! You giddy- 
tongued flatterer! 

Eose. You call me ill names, and I will 
no longer adorn your house with my pres- 
ence. Go, leave me to work! Morbleu, 
will you— 
a Philippe. Rose! Rose! [Crosses to 



Ker.] 



17 




A ROSE O 9 PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Eose. Ay, see how she will drive me to 
swear! And my immortal soul, alas, my 
immortal soul! Go! Par le sambleu — 

Bahbara. [Covering her ears ivith her 
hands. ,] I'm gone! I'm gone! [Exit 
Barbara R. 1.] 

Rose. 8a, sa, p'tit, Philippe! The 
naughty word was so near the lip, 'twas 
better to let it forth than swallow it to 
spoil my porridge. Also you do not under- 
stand the French tongue, eh, John Marge- 
son? 

John. Nay, mistress. 

Rose. A pity! 'Tis a noble tongue, an 
extraordinary tongue, a tongue with pos- 
sibilities ! [Lays cloth on table R.,jw i£h 
Philippe's hekL\ Ana now since" you two 
have been drawers of water, be also my 
hewers of wood. You will fetch it me, 
will you not, Philippe, honey! 

y Philippe. Ay, surely, sister. I'll fetch 
an armful of wood for you, and John shall 
bring one for sweetheart Miriam. 

John. Whose sweetheart! 
\J Philippe. Why, yours. 

John. Who saith so. 

18 




A ROSE O y PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

(/Philippe. All the town. 

John. Believe not all the town says. 
[Starts to door C] 

[Re-enter Miriam R. 3.] 

Miriam. Good morrow to you all. Good 
morrow, John. [Comes down stairs.] 

John. [Indifferently.] Good morrow, 
good morrow, Miriam. Is it wood you bid 
me fetch, Eose? 

Eose. Ay. 

Miriam. John, a moment. John, can- 
not you — I had — I wished — 

John. Time presses, Miriam. What is 
it you would say? 

Miriam. Sure, I've near forgot. You 
spoke so sharp, you put it from my mind. 

John. Perhaps you will recall it ere we 
meet again. 

Miriam. [Eagerly.] When shall that 
be? 

John. I know not. I must sail this 
morning for Nauset with the Captain. 

Miriam. To Nauset? So far a jour- 
ney, John? 
John. Why, what matters it? 

19 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Miriam. What matters it! 

John. Yea, I know not how I have de- 
served so large a place in your thoughts 
that it should matter. [To Rose.] God 
be wi' you! [Exit John C] 

Miriam. John! [Leans against door- 
frame, bach to room.] 

Kose. Pig that he is! Why dost thou 
not kill him, Philippe? 

JrpHiLrppE. What quarrel have I with 
friend John? 

Rose. Oh, you men, you men! You 
will uphold each other in all knavery! 

i/Philippe. But Rose, if John doth not 
love Miriam — 

Rose. But Philippe, if Miriam loves 
John ! 

j/Philippe. Yet still 'tis no crime though 

he 

Rose. No crime? No crime? J Tis a 
hanging crime if a lad with red blood in 
him doth meet love in a sweet maid 's eyes 
and not look loving back — when it is sum- 
mer-time, when — Ay, but what can a lad 
such as thou know of these matters? 



20 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

I/Philippe. [Indignantly .] EM [Mr- 
iam sobs aloud.] 

Eose. My poor Miriam! Listen, 
Philippe, 'tis you must be vastly gentle to 
her> 

'hilippe. [Huffily.] Nay, I know 
taught of such matters. 

Eose. She is as my own sister, I say. 
Be you as her own brother, and kind to 
her/ as a brother. 

i/Philippe. Methinks, Eose, the kindness 
here must come from you. 

Eose. How kinder than I am always to 
her,! 

VPhilippe. By being more unkind to 
John Mar^eson. [Goes to door C: speaks 
hesitatingly to Miriam.] May I pass 
ence, mistress? 

Miriam. Oh! [Moves from door-way.] 
If or give me ! 

V Philippe. Mayhap you'd not be loath 
to walk forth, a pace or two? 'Tis a fair 
morning. Belike you'll feel freer out o' 
doors. There's the fresh breeze and sweet 
smelling things. 

21 




A ROSE O 9 PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Miriam. [Indifferently.] Yea, I'll 
come. 

[Exeunt Philippe and Miriar^ C] 

Eose. By being unkind to John Marge- 
son! What mean he? Why, can he dare — 
Oh, oh! Find me two men, and I'll find 
you a fool and a half ! Nay, I wrong men ; 
I'll find you two fools ! Slight my Miriam 
that loves him for — 

[Re-enter John ft, with armful of 
wood.] 
Now, to see! [Without looking round.] 
Oh, are you come, dear? 

John. Dear ! [Lets wood fall to floor.] 

Eose. 'Tis you? Methought it was my 
brother Philippe. Oh, pardon me that I— 
that I— 

John. What is it I have to pardon that 
you called me by a name so pleasant to 
hear? 

Eose. I thought it might be that you 
would take amiss — 

John. [Ardently.] How could I take 
it amiss? 

Eose. Then you're not angry? 
John. Angry? 

22 



A ROSE 0> PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Eose. [Laughing.] Then pray you, 
pick up my wood for me, good John. [Sets 
table with plates, cups, a loaf, etc.] 

John. Ay, Eose. [Places wood by 
hearth.] 

Eose. John. Methinks the name comes 
sweetly to my lips. 

John. Eose! Can you feel that? My 
name? 

Eose. There was a time I had an at- 
tachment, an honest tenderness for one 
that bore the name of John. Some ways 
you do recall him to me. 

John. [Jealously.] A lover, was it? 

Eose. You might call it so, if to love 
truly make a lover. Brown eyes he had, 
dear eyes, and he would lick my hand so 
tenderly — 

John. Lick? A lover? What do you 
talk of, Eose? 

Eose. Why, of my well-beloved dog, 
English John, we called him. He's dead 
now two years, poor sweetheart ! 

John. A cur dog! 

Eose. Nay, there be dogs that none 

23 



A ROSE 0> PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

may call cur, as there be men one may 
call naught else! Oh, oh! You're angry 
in earnest now! 

John. Do you think it kindly, mistress, 
to play thus with a friendly heart ? 

Eose. Do you think it manly, John 
Margeson, to play with a loving heart? 

John. I know not what you mean. 

Eose. You will not know. It is of 
Miriam we speak. And you do know. 
Speak truly. 

John. Do you hold it Christian charity 
to condemn a man for that the gossips 
have mauled him with their idle tongues? 
It is naught but gossip, I tell you. I have 
never spoken what may be construed love 
to any maid in the colony or plighted faith 
to any. 

Eose. And since you have not sealed a 
formal betrothal, you do hold yourself 
free? May one not speak without words, 
and stand bound thereby? Do you hold 
yourself free, I say? 

John. Would you judge otherwise? 
Eose. Nay, I'll take instruction in this 
case from you. 

24 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

John. Will you take instruction from 
me in aught else, beside, sweet Rose! 

Eose. Perchance 'tis in me to give you 
some excellent instruction myself, sir. 

John. And I may come hither to re- 
ceive it, then? 

Rose. Surely, I have no right to shut 
the door on Captain Standish's friends. 

John. I thank you. 

Rose. In the end you will not thank me, 
more than the lad thanks the rod. 

John. I'll lay the warning to heart, be 
sure! [Exit John C, laughing.'] 

Rose. You will! [Runs to door.] I 
warned him fairly! So he will come seek- 
ing me and leave my Miriam to weep? 
Oh, I'll punish you — I'll punish you 
roundly! Hey, John Margeson, I'll lead 
you such a dance ! You '11 ache for 't ! 

[An armful of green corn flies through 
ivindow L., and after it enter head- 
long Garrett Foster, a well-favored 
young dare-devil of twenty, coat- 
less and bareheaded.] 

Rose. Oh ! 

25 



A ROSE 0> PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Garrett. Hide me ! Hide me, quick ! 

Eose. You've been stealing corn! 

Garrett. Most evidently! And also, if 
they take me, I'll be flogged. Where can I 
hide? 

Eose. I'm not helping you! I won't 
help you, I say ! 

Garrett. [Catching her by the wrist.] 
Mistress, did you ever see a man flogged? 

Eose. No, nor want to see one. 

Garrett. Then you'd best hide me, 
quick. "lis hardly prettier to see than to 
feel. [Dashes to door R. 1.] 

Eose. No, no ! Mistress Standish is with- 
in ! Stop there ! 

Garrett. [Hiding by cupboard, in angle 
of stairs.] They're coming. Don't tell! 

Eose. But I — but I — 

Garrett. Don't tell, I say ! 

[Re-enter John C, hastily.] 

John. Eose ! Eose ! Have you seen — 

Eose. 0, John! I'm so frightened! A 
man jumped in at our window but now, 
and — and — 

John. Which way did he run? Beggarly 

26 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

thief ! The Captain will flay him alive for 
this. 

Eose. Flay! Oh! He — he jumped in 
at the window, and — and he ran out again 
by the door! Did you not see? Bun, run, 
John ! Stop him ! That way, I pray you, 
run! 

John. The thief! You do well to wish 
him caught! 

[Exit John C, running.] 

Eose. Eun, run, good John ! That way ! 
Yea, but I wish you may catch him! 

Garrett. [Coining forward.] I am your 
very slave for this, mistress — Mistress 
Eose. [Rose stands back to, at window, 
ignoring his presence.] I offered you my 
humble thanks, mistress. I am in your 
debt. I pray you believe. [Strikes his 
fist on table.] Zounds, mistress, are you 
dumb? 

Eose. [Turning.] Are you deaf! Did 
you not hear me swear but now you were 
half-way to the shore? Yerily, you cannot 
be in two places at once, nor will I be for- 
sworn. 

Garrett. Oh, but there's been ample 

27 



A ROSE O 9 PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

time for me to have dodged that thick- 
skull, made a circuit through Dr. Fuller's 
dooryard, and returned hither again. 

Kose. And pray, who bade you return! 

Gakkett. If I waited to be bidden, I had 
often stood on the wrong side of men's 
doors. 

Eose. You stand far on the wrong side 
of our door now. Pack hence ! 

Gaeeett. [Sits by table.] "Wherefore? 

Eose. Lest, along with our corn, you 
carry away our kettle to cook it in, and our 
spoons and trenchers to eat it withal. 

Gaeeett. Nay, so I have the corn, I can 
shift with my fingers. 

Eose. Are you so hungry, then? Truly, 
you have not the air of it. 

Gaeeett. I'll not claim I'm starving. 
But if you had kept life alive these weary 
weeks on salt ship's beef and biscuits 
swarming with — 

Eose. Come! These are not pretty 
stories. And so the corn waved — 

Gaeeett. Ay, the corn beckoned with 
fair green fingers and said — Taste an I be 
not sweet! 

28 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Eose. And the corn whispered not — I 
am thy neighbor 9 s corn ? 

Gaeeett. You know the wise saw? 
Eose. Nay. 

Gaeeett. As to stolen fruit and its 
sweetness ! 

Eose. Stolen fruit — 
G-akkett. And truly the biscuits swarmed 
with — 

Eose. Hush, hush! [Cuts slice from 
loaf.] Eat of this, and forget the biscuits. 
"lis of my cooking, so you must find it 
good. 

Gaekett. Nay, I have iko will to beg 
food of you. 

Eose. Tut, tut! You that have such 
proud stomachs deserve to have empty 
stomachs. There! [Breaks a piece from 
slice of bread, nibbles at it.] I'll bid you 
eat with me. Will that salve your honor? 

Gaeeett. I thank you, mistress. [Takes 
bread and eats.] And on mine honor, had 
I such inviting to my lively biscuits, I had 
found them ambrosia. 

Eose. Dear, dear! The civil thief! 
[Curtsies.] 

29 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Garrett. And the uncivil hostess to cry 
thief! 

Eose. But you are no guest of my choos- 
ing. 

Garrett. Faith, I'd not be here, though, 
were it not for you. 'Twas right kind of 
you to aid me. 

Eose. Aid you? Nay, flatter not your- 
self. I wished to see good John Margeson 
run with his long legs. He's stoutening 
fast ; 'tis excellent that he run. And what 
a stitch he will have in his side, poor John ! 

Garrett. [Laying hand on the knife in 
his belt.] An he laid hands on me, he had 
had something sharper than that in his 
side. 

Eose. Verily, we are a great fire-eater — 
now that John hath run round the corner ! 

Garrett. [Rising.] 'Sdeath! Do you 
think I— 

Eose. Turn all your anger to the bread, 
I pray you. Another slice? 

Garrett. Ay. 

Eose. You are one of Weston's men, I 
take it? Their ways and manners are 
known to us, you see. 

30 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Gakkett. I'm bound to plant at Wessa- 
gusett, yes. 

Eose. And what do you think to do 
there? 

Garrett. Grow tobacco. 

Eose. What! 

Garrett. Why not? They grow it in 
Virginia. 

Eose. But this is not Virginia ! 

Garrett. "lis all in America. What 
difference 1 

Eose. You'll find a difference when win- 
ter comes. You'll not roam about without 
your doublet then. 

Garrett. Faith, but I think I will. For 
I have no doublet. 

Eose. Now, who was it was so crack- 
brained as to send the like of you to settle 
for yourself in a new country? 

Garrett. My kinsfolk sent me. What 
would you? A younger son, with no inher- 
itance! My uncle, Garrett Foster, he for 
whom I am named, he supplied me with 
bare necessaries, and bade me never come 
trouble him again. And I gambled away 

31 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

the bare necessaries when put in at Ply- 
mouth in Devonshire. And here I am, bare 
indeed ! 

Eose. Tut, tut! And you are to plant 
a colony! Will you eat another slice of 
bread? 

Gaeeett. Nay, I could not eat another 
mouthful, not even of ambrosia. 'Twas 
good bread, though. 

Eose. Surely ! Did I not say I made it ! 
I can cook better, spin faster, and dance 
longer than any maid in New Plymouth. 

Gaeeett. Dance 1 You are no kin to the 
Puritan captain, I'll wager! 

Eose. Captain Standish is no Puritan, 
and he hath danced in his day. But true 
enough, I am no kin to him. I am only 
gracious to live in his house because I love 
Mistress Standish and their cousin Mir- 
iam. ? Tis a sad colony, this, Garrett Fos- 
ter. There's not much here to love. 

Gaeeett. But you — 

Eose. Oh, I came hither to keep the 
house for my brother Philippe, but they 
said for that I was not old and wrinkled, 
I was not sober enough to rule a house- 

32 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

hold, and I must bide under another's 
household rule. 

Garrett. Methinks I'd trust you over 
a house, now, to-day! 

Eose. Oh, your obliged servant, sir! 
But I'd not trust you in the cornfield that 
lay beside my house. 

Garrett. I would you did not taunt me 
with that. 

Eose. Have you not deserved it? 

Garrett. No ! On my soul, no ! What 
grows out of doors, is't not for any man? 

Eose. Not when another hath had sore 
trouble to make it grow. Why, corn is as 
gold in this bleak new world of ours. 

Garrett. I'll grant you're right, and 
'twas a rascally prank. But for one prank, 
do I lose the right of a gentleman? [Tries 
to take her hand.] 

Eose. When you come into our cottage 
by its door, like a gentleman, I'll think of 
treating you as one. 

Garrett. Why, nothing easier! [Steps 
out at door C, comes in again.] There, 
now, I claim my privilege. A salute, as 
you would give it to a gentleman! 

33 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Eose. [Dodging.] You do not play- 
fair! 

Garrett. [Chasing her.] And you do 
not play fair ! 

Eose. You were best not tarry to take 
the stakes. Captain Standish may come. 

Garrett. Hang your Captain Standish ! 
Do you think I fear him? 

Eose. [At door C] It's well you do 
not, sir. He's coming up the path now. 

Garrett. [Running to window.] The 
devil ! 

Eose. His enemies think him so. Nay, 
you cannot go by the window. He'll see 
you. 

Garrett. [Running to door.] The 
door — 

Eose. [Barring his way.] Oh, no! 
How happy you do not fear him! Now 
what will you tell him about that corn? 

Garrett. Devil take the corn! If he 
see me 'twill all come out! 

Miriam. [Without.] Eose! Eose! 
Garrett. Curse it! [Flings corn on 
settle, drops down between end of settle 

34 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

and fireplace, where the high back of the 
settle screens him from the sight of those 
in the room.] 

[Re-enter Miriam C, followed by 
Standish, a well set-up, soldierly 
man of thirty -eight, in the military 
dress of the period, with a long cloak 
over his arm.] 

Miriam. You have set all in order! 
Forgive my lingering, Rose. I had not 
guessed it so late. 

Standish. Good morrow, Major Rose! 
[Rose takes the cloak from Standish, and 
flings it over corner of settle, hiding the 
corn.] 

[Re-enter Barbara R. 1.] 



Barbara. You are returned, Miles, 
Good welcome ! 

Standish. Ay, sweetheart, returned, 
and none the worse except in temper, and 
breakfast will set that right. 

— ^-JlfcKBARA. And our kind Rose hath pre- 
pared for us already. Sit at once. [Starts 
to fireplace. Standish and Miriam sit at 
table.] 

35 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Eose. [Intercepting Barbara.] Nay, 
you sit, too, Mistress Standish. 
■■■■■.. Ba rbara. But, little Rose, you are not 
to serve us always. Suffer me to — 

Eose. There, there! Will you spoil 
good porridge by ill serving? Sit you 
down! Captain, command her to be seat- 
ed, else I'll throw the porridge fair in the 
fire. 

s. Baebaka. A wilful wench must have her 
way] [Sits at table.] 

[Re-enter R. 1. Aunt Resolute, con- 
ventionally dressed.] 
Aunt Resolute. Be the wars over, 
nephew? You're welcome back! [Sits at 
table.] 

Garrett. [To Rose.] 'Tis vengeance 
hot here ! 

Eose. [At fireplace.] If we may be- 
lieve the preachers, there be hotter corners 
yet for men who steal their neighbors' 
corn. 

Barbara. Eose! [Rose crosses and sits 
at table. Standish says grace in dumb- 
show. Rose rises, fetches kettle from fife 
and serves porridge.] 

36 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

-^JBarbara. So the matter for which tiiey 
called you forth still disturbs you, Miles! 

Standish. Not the matter, but that I 
might not lay my hands on the workers 
of the matter. When I came to the quar- 
ters of those rogues of Wessagusett men, 
all was at sleepy peace — fair white lambs 
that they be! [Garrett puts out his arm, 
secures a stool, and settles himself more 
comfortably in his hiding place, observed 
only by Aunt Resolute.] 

"■ — -Barbara. So it is with all their mis- 
chief ! 

Standish. Well, my time will come 
later. The first man of them I take self- 
convicted of breaking the colony laws — 
I'll make an example of him! 

Eose. And what would you do to him, 
Captain? 

Standish. It depends on what the man 
had done, lass. Now, for instance, if I 
come on one of the corn thieves who are 
wasting our fields, I'll have him stripped 
and flogged through the settlement. 

Eose. Do you mean that in earnest, 
Captain? In earnest? 

•37 



A ROSE O 9 PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Standish. In sore earnest. The laws 
of the colony are not made for a laughing- 
stock. 

Aunt Resolute. Nay, 'tis a cruel, 
harsh punishment. Whipped? For a pal- 
try ear or so of corn? Mean and cruel, 
say I! 

Standish. Not cruel, when 'tis de- 
served. A paltry ear of corn? Every ear 
of corn closes death's open door in our 
black winters. 'Tis better one stole gold 
of us than corn. John Margeson says : — 

Aunt Resolute. John Margeson! 

Standish. Ay, he hath eyes, and his 

eyes saw a thief in our cbrnfield but an 

hour agbne. He gave chase, but the man 

out-ran him. Now, if I had that matt — 

{The people at table talk in dumb 

show.] 

Garrett. [To Rose, as she crosses to 
fire.] Rose ! 

Rose. Tudieu! Did you not hear him? 
Be quiet and sit close. 

Garrett. 'Tis cursed hot! My throat 
is parched. 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Eose. Hush! Wait! [Takes gourd 
from end of fireplace.] 

Barbara. Come, come, child, will you 
never sit and eat? 

Eose. [Fills gourd at water bucket.] 
A moment till I weaken the porridge, good 
Mistress Standish. [Gives gourd to Gar- 
rett.] There! 

Garrett. I thank you mightily. 

[Drinks.] 

Eose. [Sits at table.] Now you shall 
see. I will eat thrice as much as any for 
this delay. 

Standish. Faith, you attack nobly, 
Major Eose. 'Tis well we are going to 
fetch fresh stores from Nauset; you'd ex- 
haust our supply else. 

^ Barbara. To Nauset this day? 

Standish. If the wind hold from the 
westward, yes. 

Eose. Ay, 'tis still a western wind by 
the smoke. You will have to leave us so 
soon as you have eaten? 

Standish. The self-same instant. 
Eose. [Clapping her hands.] Good! 
Good! 

39 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Barbara. [Indignantly.] "Good," say- 
est thou? 

Rose. Oh, Mistress Standish! Nay, I — 
I but meant 'twas good to see how brave 
an answer he ever hath for duty. 

Aunt Resolute. [Aside to Rose.] Flutr 
ter not too oft near a hidden nest. Too 
many hunters know the trick. 

Rose. Mistress Story! Thou know- 
est — 

Aunt Resolute. I know that the lad 
hath broad shoulders and brave eyes. 'Tis 
not of such lads I make tales. 

Rose. God bless thee ! 

Barbara. Come and go, we never have 
sight of thee, Miles. 

Standish. Nay, Barbara, I — [Gar- 
rett smothers a cough.] 

Miriam. [Startled.] Oh! 

Barbara. Why, child, what is it? 

Miriam. I thought I heard — 

Rose. Nay, little goose, 'tis not John 
Margeson you hear. Let me fill your bowl 
once more, Mistress Standish. 

Barbara. Why, I've not yet eaten — 

40 



A ROSE 0> PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Eose. No matter ! You want some more 
—I know you want some more ! [Runs to 
fireplace; speaks aside to Garrett.] Be 
quiet I Lord ! Lord 1 You must be quiet I 

Gabrett. There's a draught from the 
window fair across my neck. Rose, I'll 
have to sneeze in a minute. 

Rose. Sneeze? You shall not! You 
shall die first ! 

Garrett. I can't help it! I — can't! 
I— 

Rose. Quick, then! Diable! Quick! 
[Garrett sneezes violently. Rose at same 
time makes pantomime of sneezing.] 

Miriam. Oh, bless me! 

Standish. Good lack, what a sneeze! 
'Twas the sneeze of a horse-trooper. 

Aukt Resolute. Nay, 'tis naught to 
worry on. I have sneezed that sneeze my- 
self when I was young — Ay, many a 
time! 

Barbara. Why, Rose, child, whence got 
you such a cold? 

Miriam. Rose, you did not wear your 
thin shoes to the spring? 

41 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Eose. Yes, yes, but 'tis no matter. A 
sneeze — that's naught [Returns to ta- 
ble.] 

Barbara. You are so heedless, feather- 
pate; 

Standish. Nay, you must not let your- 
self fall ill, our Eose. 

Eose. Oh, I'm not ill — not ill! [Gar- 
rett stifles a cough.] Oh! Captain Stand- 
ish, let me serve you more porridge. 
[Crosses to fireplace; to Garrett.] Don't 
you dare do that again! I'm near dead of 
it. 

Garrett. I'm going to. I can't help it, 
Eose. That cursed draught — 

Eose. Well, sneeze then, and let the 
Captain find you, if he will ! 

Garrett. "lis no use. I — [Garrett 
sneezes loudly and Rose pretends to 
sneeze.] 

Miriam. Oh, my goodness! 

Standish. Why, why, Major! 

Barbara. There, 'tis enough. That 
child must have a drink of bitter herbs. 
[Goes to cupboard.] 

42 



A ROSE <T PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Eose. Oh, Mistress Standish! Nay, I do 
not want your bitter herbs. [Comes to ta- 
ble.] 

Barbara. Indeed, you do want them, if 
ever a lass did. [Prepares herbs.] And 
now after this remember to dress yourself 
fittingly ere you venture out in the damp 
and the dew. 

Aunt Eesolute. Ay, bitter herbs oft 
come after such sneezing. I've drunk the 
bitter herbs, too, in my time. 

Eose. Did they cure thee? No? 

Aunt Eesolute. Nay, time did that. 
But bitter herbs be wholesome. 

Miriam. [Rises and starts to fireplace.] 
Shall I fetch the hot water? 

Eose. [Seizing Miriam, with a loud 
shriek.] Oh! Do not thou meddle with 
my matters! Sit thee down, Miriam! If 
I must drink those bitter herbs, 'tis I who '11 
brew them. But oh! I hate your herb 
drink, Mistress Standish. I will not take 
it. 'Tis so bitter — 'twill make me ill in- 
deed. [Barbara starts to fire.] Nay, nay, 
trouble not yourself! I'll fetch the hot 
water, if I must. [Runs to fire.] But I 

43 



A ROSE O 9 PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

do not want it, I tell yon, I — [Aside to 
Garrett.'] I hear you! You'll kill us both, 
plague on you ! 

Gabbett. I'm cursed sorry! [Garrett 
sneezes, and Rose again makes pretense of 
sneezing.] 

Babbaba. That settles it! Now there's 
no need to gainsay me further. Rose, 
bring the hot water. [Rose unwillingly 
brings the kettle, and Barbara brews the 
drink.] There, it is brewing bravely. Now 
sit you down snugly in the chimney-corner 
with me, like a good lass, and drink it 
steaming hot. [Starts to lead Rose to set- 
tle.] 

Rose. Nay, nay, Mistress Standish, I 
do not like to be cosseted when I am ill. 
Take thy hands from me, prithee ! 

Babbaba. "Why, Rose! Sweetheart! 

Rose. Mistress Standish, I do love 
thee, I do — my heart on't! — but prithee 
leave me alone now, leave me alone ! [Sits 
on end of settle nearest to Garrett.] 

Babbaba. [Returning to table.] Miles, 
I do fear me our poor Rose is truly ill. 

Aunt Resolute. Wilt never learn that 

44 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

some illnesses must wear themselves out? 
Let the lass rest. 

Standish. Nay, had I not best summon 
Dr. Fuller hither? 

Miriam. Let me run fetch him. 

Barbara. Nay, stay a little. [Talks 
with Standish,'] 

Eose. [Raising mug to her lips.] Bah! 
This fearsome stuff! I abominate it! I 
loathe it! [Garrett smothers a laugh.] 
Now mark me! 'Tis you shall drink it, 
Garrett Foster. 'Tis you have the cold, 
not I. 'Tis you did the sneezing, when 
truth's said. 

Garrett. Poor lass! Give it me here! 
[Takes a swallow.] Ugh! 'Tis fair devil- 
ish! 

Eose. 'Tis I know that. Shut your 
eyes and drink. [Watches him, not heed- 
ing the others.] 

Standish. [Rising.] Ay, I'll say a 
word to the doctor, as I go down the hill. 

Barbara. You must go forth now, hus- 
band? 

Standish. I bade the men await me at 

45 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

the landing. Nay, 'tis not for long. We'll 
return the day after to-morrow. Fret not, 
sweetheart. If you need a man for aught 
till I return, call on Philippe, remember, 
and so — [Takes his cloak from settle, 
exposing corn beneath.] What's this! 
Faith of a soldier, what's this? 

Eose. [Springing up.] me! We're 
sped! 

Standish. Young corn, and freshly 
plucked? Nay, Barbara, if we devour it 
now, what shall we have to keep us through 
the winter! How couldest thou, wife? 

Barbara. There is no one of our house- 
hold plucked it, Miles. I know not how it 
came hither. Thou knowest we would not 
pluck the corn. 

Mikiam. Why, sure, 'tis witchcraft! 

Eose. Nay, nay, no witchcraft, not in 
the least, I do assure you. 'Twas I gath- 
ered it. 

All. You, Eose ! 

Eose. I. You know I'm not of your 
sober blood. The sun of France warmed 
mischiefs in me. 'Twas a madcap whim 
took me, to do a thing forbid, 'twas — 

46 



A ROSE O 9 PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Aunt Eesolute. A brave fight, little 
Major! 

Barbara. And is that the mischief hath 
worried you ill, Eose! [Starts toward 
her,] Oh Eose! 

Eose. Do not come near me ! 

Standish. Faith, I could not have be- 
lieved it of the lass ! What set you to do 
such a thing! A thing so wanton, so hurt- 
ful, so — 

Eose. Oh, I— I— [Sobs.} 

Garrett. [Rises and comes fonvard.] 
Mistress Eose is generous — and mistaken. 
She did not pluck the corn. 

Aunt Resolute. And there speaks an- 
other good soldier ! 

Standish. You, is it, Garrett Foster — 
Foster of Weston's men? Then it's not 
far to look for the thief John Margeson 
saw. So you have been concealing this fel- 
low and his plunder, Eose? 

Garrett. I frightened her into conceal- 
ing me. 

Eose. Nay, he frightened me not. I — 

Standish. You confess the theft, then, 
sirrah! 

47 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Garrett. Ay. And now what next? 

Standish. [Motioning to door C] Go 
out before me. 

Garrett. To the whipping-post? I, a 
gentleman? 

Standish. To the whipping-post. Thou, 
a thief. 

Garrett. [With a short laugh.] Ay, 
and more than thief before a man lays 
whip to me [Draws his knife and holds it 
ready behind him.] 

Bose. Garrett Foster ! What have you 
there behind you? Give it me. I bid you 
give it to me. [For a moment Garrett 
looks at Rose, then he lays his knife in her 
hand.] 

Rose. [Turning to Standish.] You see. 
He trusts me. He is an unarmed man, 
and he has eaten of my bread. I'll not 
have him whipped — do you hear, Captain 
of Plymouth? He shall not suffer a thief's 
shame for a boy's prank — he who has eaten 
of my bread ! 

Barbara. Miles, I beg of you, Miles! 
Mayhap the lad was hungry, mayhap — 

48 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Standish. Hungry? [Looks at Garrett 
with some amusement,'] Verily, he hath a 
starved look! 

Aunt Eesolute. Do none steal save 
from hunger? I trapped thee in my apple 
orchard once on a time, Captain of Ply- 
mouth ! 

- Barbara. In pity, Miles, do not deal too 
harshly — 

Eose. Tis I will be whipped, if any- 
body's whipped. And I'll not be whipped 
while I 've Garrett Foster 's knife. [ Thrusts 
it out toward Standish, handle foremost.] 

Standish. [Laughing in spite of him- 
self.] Thou art terrible! [Takes knife 
from her.] Well, Garrett Foster, your skin 
is saved for the present. 

Garrett. Gramercy for that, Captain! 
I'm long your debtor. [Starts for door.] 

Standish. Nay, you part not so easily. 
Your judgment's yet to be spoke; now hear 
it ere you part. Sit you down, yonder on 
the settle. [Garrett sits unwillingly.] Now, 
Mistress Eose, sit you down there! Sit 
you down! [Rose sits beside Garrett.] 
Now, Mistress Eose, for the part you had 

49 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

in this roguery, you may husk and roast 
that pile of corn, and you, Garrett Foster, 
for your part, will not stir from that spot 
till you have eaten it — ay, every jot ! 

Garrett. All of it? Lord! All of it? 

Standish. To the last kernel. 

Garrett. I've just eaten one breakfast. 

Standish. So much the unluckier for 
your stomach. That, or — [Points to 
door.] 

Garrett. I take it, I can eat it. 
Standish. I take it you can. [Turns 
away to door.] 

Eose. Corn's no bad change from por- 
ridge — and you robbed me of my breakfast. 
You may count on me for an ear or twain. 
[Rose and Garrett begin to hush corn.] 

Barbara. I thank you that you did 
spare him, Miles. 

Standish. 'Tis a knave unwhipped that 
deserves to be. But I'd pardon a worse 
than he for your sake, wench. [Exeunt 
Standish and Barbara, C, Miriam and 
Aunt Resolute, R.] 

Eose. If you be not sick of the taste of 

50 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

roasted corn soon ! Yet, I have heard that 
stolen fruit — 

Garrett. It's true enough. Stolen fruit 
is — [He takes her hand, as it rests on 
the edge of the settle, and suddenly kisses 
it.] 'Tis monstrous sweet! 

CURTAIN. 



51 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 



ACT II. 

Scene. The dooryard of Captain Stan- 
dish's cottage. At L. the rude porch of 
the cottage, with a door opening into the 
house. At R. an old tree stump. The tall 
trees, ivith their red or russet autumn 
foliage, grow up to the edge of the door- 
yard. At bach, through an opening in 
the trees, can be seen the fields, with the 
shocks of corn, the harbor, and the dis- 
tant headlands. The golden autumn 
light lies on all the fields and the wood- 
land, and the leaves are falling softly. 
[At rise of curtain, Standish sits read- 
ing in a great chair upon the porch. 
Barbara sits near by, spinning at 
her wheel.] 

Bakbaea. [Singing.] 

Now my love is roving gone, 

Welladay ! 
Which makes me sigh and moan, 

Evermore still! 

Standish. Barbara ! [After a moment.] 
Barbara ! 
Barbara. What is it, Miles? 

52 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Standish. Hath Garrett Foster fetched 
in those pumpkins? 

Babbaba. Pumpkins, Miles ? What hast 
thou to do therewith? Verily, I thought 
thee leagues hence with thy famous Julius 
Caesar. 

Standish. May I not have a respect for 
the great Eoman, and yet have a weakness 
for pumpkin sauce! 

Babbaba. For your comfort then — the 
pumpkins are safely housed! [Sings.] 

Now must I weep in woe, 
Now must I mourning go, 
No comfort will I know, 
Since my dear's away! 
Miles ! 

Standish. Tes, Barbara. What would- 
est thou? 

Babbaba. How much longer is Garrett 
Foster to abide at Plymouth? 

Standish. It would seem, Barbara, till 
Garrett Foster is pleased to take himself 
hence. 

• Babbaba. Weston's sick men whom we 
kept here to nurse, sail away this after- 
noon to their own colony at Wessagussett, 
is it not so? 

53 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Standish. And 'tis your wish that Gar- 
rett sail with them? 

Barbara. There is no reason that a lusty 
youth such as he should tarry here longer 
upon any score of sickness. 

Standish. So you hold those rake- 
shames at Wessagussett good playfellows 
for a lusty youth? Eh, Barbara! 

Barbara. Since you'll have all my mind 
—I hold Garrett Foster not a fit playfel- 
low for our Eose. 

Standish. Eose, eh? So you think — 

Barbara. I think, for all I am angered 
with Eose, that she doth so conduct her 
toward John Margeson and Miriam, still 
I do think she is at heart too good a lass 
for such a rapscallion as Garrett Foster. 

Standish. Tut, tut! There's no harm 
in Garrett. Hath he not labored faithfully 
amongst us these months? And he han- 
dles sword and musket as tidily as any 
man in the colony — better by far than your 
worthy John Margeson. A good lad, with 
red blood in him! 

Barbara. But no good lad for Eose! 

54 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Standish. But, Bab— [Rises.] 

Barbara. Nay, I say! [Sings.] 

Now the daylight fair is gone, 

Lullaby, lullaby! 

And the dark comes creeping on — 

Are you not of my mind, Miles? 

Standish. I must e'en make myself of 
thy mind, I take it, if I'm to have peace 
in my own house! Though I'll tell thee 
again, I have a rare liking for Garrett. 
Something of a dare-devil, the lad may be, 
but I tell thee the dare-devils make the 
best soldiers and the best seamen — 

Barbara. And the best husbands, Miles ? 
Eh, then! 

Standish. How guessed you that, Puss 7 

Barbara. I guessed it not. I know it — 
by experience. 

Standish. Do you, you witch? And 
will you shut our Bose from this same 
blissful experience! What am I to read 
in thatt 

Barbara. This, Miles: it taketh a dis- 
creet woman to live at peace with a dare- 
devil. 

55 




A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Standish. On my soul, you shall pay 
me for that self-praise ! [Kisses her.] 

[Enter from the wood Philippe, cafe 
ryxng two rapiers.] 

jr ■ jwM-i i " ' aiiiwi nf i r • r m il i n ii m, "* : 

\r Philippe. Pardon me, Captain Stan- 
dish. Do I come amiss ? 

Standish. Amiss? What should make 
you think so? May not a man kiss his 
wife, so it be not the Sabbath? 
\f Philippe. Nay, nay, I — 

Barbara. Were you seeking Rose, Phil- 
ippe? She hath gone forth with Garrett 
to gather nuts. 

]/ Philippe. To be sure, yes, I was seek- 
ing Rose. Did — did Miriam Chillingsley 
go with her? 

/Barbara. Nay, Miriam kept the house. 

¥ Philippe. She is not ill, good Mistress 
Standish? 

Barbara. 111? Oh, no! Sit you down, 
Philippe. 

Philippe. Yea, an I may. I'll wait till 
Rose comes. [Sits on stump, polishes ra~ 

i mtmf „ , m ii " """ ""'' ''■-^T rtjrnr r ' "" n 1""' 

piers.^ 

Standish. Thou'rt a good lad, Philippe. 

56 



A ROSE 0> PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

'Tis seldom I have seen a youth more de- 
voted to his sister. 

[Enter from wood Aunt Resolute, 
leaning on a staff.] 

Aunt Resolute. Devoted to his sister? 
To his sister? Ay, ay, surely! What else 
should bring our Philippe hither at all 
hours of the day, hut devotion to his sis- 
ter. [Exit StandisJi into wood, laughing.] 
Yet of late, he hath been so often at our 
door, a suspicion is on me, he cometh not 
always to see his sister, but to see — 

|y*PmLipPE. [In alarm.] Mistress Story I 

Aunt Resolute. Nay, 'tis time thou 

wert told it, plump and fair — there's no 

hope for thee, lad! There's no hope for 

thee! 

\y Philippe. [In aa on^ ^ Mistress Story! 

Aunt Resolute. No hope, I tell thee, 
no! Youthful as is my seeming, I have 
laid past such vanities as wooing and wed- 
ding more years than one. 

\f Philippe. [Utterly amazed.] Mistress 
Story! 

Aunt Resolute. Nay, was it not a-woo- 

57 



A ROSE 0> PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

ing to me that thou earnest hither so oft, 
Philippe? 
\/ Philippe. Mistress Story! Lord! 
You — I — 0, Mistress Story! 

Aunt Resolute. Not I? Well, well, how 
even a woman of some experience may 
misread a youth. Not I, eh? [Philippe 
shakes his head, smiling bashfully yet mis- 
chievously.] Well, mayhap 'twere best. 
For I take it a marriage with such dispar- 
ity in years as ours would set all tongues 
a-wagging, even in Plymouth — ay, even in 
Plymouth ! 

\/ Philippe. ]With reliefs Mistress Story ! 
[Kiss es her_ 

lUnt Resolute. Nay, nay ! Not before 
others ! 

Barbara.. You are returned, good Aunt? 
And you enjoyed your walk in the forest? 
Sure, there never was a kinder day ! 

Aunt Resolute. Enjoy? Enjoy? Good 
lack, I went not forth to seek enjoyment ! 
There be but two things to do in this for- 
saken spot: sleep snug in your bed, or 
wake to be frightened nigh to death. I 
have slept my fill, and now I have been 

58 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

forth to take my daily frighting — and 
fright I found a-plenty ! Scarce set I forth, 
when behind a great oak tree — 
Barbara. Well? 

Aunt Eesolute. I heard the rustle of 
an Indian's foot. 

Barbara. [Excitedly.] An Indian! 

Aunt Eesolute. Nay, calm thee, good 
niece, calm thee ! Methought 'twas an In- 
dian, but when I did draw more close I 
saw 'twas naught but a chattering jacka- 
napes of a squirrel. [Philippe tofflfe- R ar ~ 
bara is much relievea?\Next y as I strolled 
on, but new recovered from that terror, I 
heard a roaring, a most fearsome roaring, 
and a crashing in the thicket — 

\ ^Philippe. A crash? A roaring? 

Aunt Resolute. Ay. 
\JPhilippe. What roared? 

Aunt Resolute. What but that son of 
Satan, the Governor's new bull calf? Ay, 
ay, I've had rare enjoyment in my walk 
abroad! A toad under every flower that 
I stooped to pick, a snake under every 
leaf — 
^/ Philippe. [Polishing/ rapier l speak& jis 

59 



"A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

if to himselfA A snake! And under every 
learT Ay, verily, last night the Captain's 
brandy posset was uncommon strong! 
[Aunt Resolute starts toward him with 
staff uplifted to strike.'] Back! "What is 
that moving under yonder leaf? [Aunt 
Resolute shrieks and beats at the leaf.] 
Nay, 'twas but the wind that stirred the 
leaf ! Oh, that posset, that posset ! 

Aunt Resolute. Nay, I'll bide here no 
longer to be baited by a saucy fledgling. 
[Sits on porch, fanning herself.] 

[Enter from the house Miriam, who 
is knitting at a stocking.] 

Miriam. Have they not yet returned, 
Mistress Standish? 
Aunt Resolute. They? 

Mibiam. Why, Rose and Garrett. Are 
they not returned? 

Baebaba. As you see. But Philippe — 
Mibiam. [Carelessly.] Ah, good mor- 
row, Philippe. [To Barbara.] I have 
dropped this troublesome stitch. 

Babbara. Give it me. [Takes knitting, 
readjusts it.] 

[Re-enter Standish, and stands watch- 
ing Philippe.] 

60 



A ROSE 0* PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Miriam. I wanted so to knit out this ball 
of yarn ere they come. Rose and Garrett 
and — John Margeson are coming to crack 
nuts this afternoon, you understand. 

-^Philippe. Am I not bidden, too, Miriam? 

Miriam. [Carelessly, ,] Oh, yes! [Knits.] 

Standish. A merrymaking, is it? Then 
Julius Caesar and I were best betake our- 
selves to quiet. You have polished my ra- 
piers as I bade thee, lad? 
y Philippe. Ay, sir, I trust they're bright 
to your mind. Yet I would work a breath 
longer at this rust-spot ere I bring them 
in. "lis vengeance slow to clear, this rust- 
spot. 

Standish. 'Twas vengeance hard to 
win, that rust-spot ! He was a rare swords- 
man from whom I won that rust-spot. 

Miriam. Captain! You do not mean 
that you — 

Standish. I mean — Nay, there be tales 
not for a maid's hearing. See that you 
clear me the rust-spot, Phil. 

y [Exit Standish into house.] 
\ ^Philippe. [Goes to Miriam at L.] See 

61 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

how you drive the Captain hence, Miriam. 
Methinks you be somewhat bitter unto all 
men, save to John Margeson. 

Miriam. Nay, how am I so! Pray yoti, 
Philippe, you are standing in my light. 

y Philippe. [Moving aside,] I pray you, 
pardon me. 

[Enter Rose, running, from wood.] 
Rose. [Calling over her shoulder.] Ah, 
sluggard! I wagered I'd beat you to the 
house ! 

[Enter Garrett, with bag of nuts.] 
Garrett. I ran weighted, Rose. 
Rose. Not heavily weighted. [Takes 
bag, turns to others.] Look on this, and 
be pitiful. All the nuts we could find! 
[Philippe drops rapiers on ground and 
takes bag of nuts.] And we searched to 
very weariness, and 0, Philippe, Garrett 
fell from the top of a tree. 

Barbara. You suffered no hurt, I trust! 

Garrett. Not to my skin, mistress— that 
is indifferent thick. 

Aunt Resolute. But so is not the sleeve 
of Philippe *s second-best doublet, alack and 

62 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

alas! [Points at Garrett with her staff. 
Garrett puts his left arm behind him.] 

Rose. [Going to Garrett.] Villain! 
Let me see ! [Seizes his arm. A long tear 
in the sleeve is disclosed.] You did not tell 
me! 

Garrett. I thought it best to break the 
news to you slowly and gently. 
\Philippe. Why, 'tis no great matter, 
Garrett. Rose can sew it up in the winking 
of an eye. 

Rose. If Rose chooses, yes. 

Garrett. Then pray you, choose. 

Rose. Do you deserve so much of met 

Garrett. As much — and much more. 

Rose. Saucebox! [Rose sits on stump, 
Garrett kneels by her, and she mends his 
sleeve.] 

Philippe. [Exam^^ There'll 

be a plenty when all's said, you see. 

Miriam. And John Margeson promised 
to bring more. 

Aunt Resolute. And it is sure that 
John Margeson comes, 

Miriam. Ay, so he promised. 

63 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Aunt Resolute. And speedily! 

Miriam. At any moment now. 

Aunt Resolute. Then I'll bid yon all 
a fair good day ! [Exit Aimt Resolute into 
house.] 

Mibiam. I mnst knit ont this ball of 

•n ere they come. 

Philippe. They? 

Miriam. "Why, John is not yet here, 

Philippe. I know. 

Miriam. Look forth to the forest, I pray 
yon, and see if he is coming. 

1/ Philippe. I will. [Exit Philippe into 
wood.] 

Barbara. Miriam! If Philippe, for all 
he is bnt a lad, if it chanced — say that he 
had a liking for yon, that was bitter cruel 
of you. 

Miriam. Philippe? Why, Philippe is 
even as a brother nnto me. 

Barbaba. "As a brother !" 'Tis a 
world-wide word, that "as!" 

Garrett. [To Rose.] I wonder who 
'tis will mend my clothes at Wessagusett. 
I shall miss yon, Rose. 

64 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Eose. Wonder, too, who will lend yon 
clothes to mend, Garrett Foster! You'll 
miss my brother, Philippe. 

Gabbett. I shall miss yon both, and 
sorely. 

Eose. The boat sails this afternoon for 
Wessagusett, doth it not! 

Gabbett. Yes. 

Eose. And yon sail in hert 

Gabbett. That's what I wait to know. 

Eose. To know? 

Gabbett. I have spoke with the Gov* 
ernor and the Captain. They say if I live 
soberly as I have lived since — since I knew 
you, Eose, they will allot me a strip of 
land and I can settle here. But it rests 
with you to say if I shall. You know what 
I mean. 

Eose. I know. 

y [Re-enter Philippe,' 

^^Hn^FEr^^Sy^T^^m, I see naught of 
John. 

Mibiam. Let him come now. My morn- 
ing's stent is knit out. [Rises.]. Where 
shall I find more yarn, Mistress Standish? 

65 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Babbaba. [Rising. ,] I'll find it for you. 

Mibiam. And yon, Philippe, will you be- 
gin to crack the nuts, [Exeunt Barbara 
and Miriam into the house.] 

[Philippe kneels on ground at L. and 

t * fi m . m i Vh " " ' " • 



cracks nuts. 



Gabbett. [To Rose.] An't please you, 
you are sewing my sleeve down on my shirt 
sleeve. 

Eose. I care not. [Breaks thread.] 
'Tis done now. 

Gabbett. Nay, 'tis not done yet. You 
are to answer me. [Confidently.] 'Tis 
not done! 

Eose. There, then ! [Sticks needle into 
his arm, rises.] Is't done now! 

Gabbett. A pest on your mischief! 
yjPHiLiPPE. Eose, what mischief are you 
doing? 

Eose. Oh, naught. Just setting finish 
to my work. 

Gabbett. [Following her to porch,.] Is 
that my answer? Is't so you set sharp 
finish to your work? 

Eose. [At house-door.] That's one an- 

66 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

swer. And here's another! [Throws him 
a hiss. Garrett starts forward to seize 
Rose. She darts into house and closes 
door behind her.] 

Garrett. [In high spirits.] The last 
law repeals those that went before it, and 
the last answer — hey, Philippe? [Strips 
off his coat, sits by Philippe on ground.] 
What do you there, little brother? At your 
demotions? 
'^Philippe. Maybe, yes. 

.Garrett. Who is the saint? 
¥ Philippe. Tell me now, Garrett Foster, 
did you ever love a woman? 

/Garrett. A dozen of 'em! 
V Philippe. Nay, now, you're playing the 
fool. And I spoke in earnest. 

Garrett. I'm in no mood for earnest 
answers to-day, Philippe. 

y Philippe. I'm sorry. I sought your 
counsel. 

Garrett. My counsel! A staid fellow 
like you ask counsel of me? Faith, 'tis a 
red-letter day ! And you want instruction 
in the Art of Love? 



67 



VI 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 



Philippe. Say a man hath an affec- 
tion — 

Garrett. Nay, say Philippe de la Noye 
consumes with love! 

y Philippe. For a certain woman — 

Garrett. Say, Miriam Chillingsley ! 

V Philippe. How did you guess f 

Garrett. I'm neither bat nor mole. 

|/ Philippe. But none of the others, not 
even John Margeson, suspects— 

Garrett. Pest on your Margeson! He'd 
never suspect aught. It argues brains — 
this suspecting. So you love her, Phil! 
|/ Philippe. Ay. 

Garrett. Then tell her so. 
t Philippe. Why, she'd rebuff me. 

Garrett. How do you know? 
I Philippe. I can guess. 

Garrett. In any case, 'twould be civil 
to give the lady opportunity to speak her 
mind. 

Philippe. How would you go about to 
tell her? 

Garrett. Why, thus. Come hither! 

68 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

[Takes Philippe's hand.] Miriam, my 

sweetheart— 

I/Fhilippe. Deuce take it, man ! Let go 

my hand ! 

Garrett. True, she might speak thus, 
were she coy, but, by the Lord, Phil, Mir- 
iam hath no such hand-grip as thine! Be 
quiet now. Here's more instruction. I 
would go on about as thus : You know that 
I love you, lass, else you've no eyes; and I 
know that you have an inclination unto 
mer- 
y Philippe. Yes, but I don't know! 

Garrett. Hold your tongue ! You're to 
speak only when Miriam would speak. That 
you have an inclination unto me. Then 
come, clap hands and a bargain! And a 
kiss thereupon! 

ly^HiuppE. [Throwing him ofJL. Hold, 
Bold ! On your honor7 would you go about 
so to woo a maid? 

[Re-enter Rose and pauses in doorway, 
unobserved.] 

Garrett. [Rising.] Faith, yes! For, 
mark me, Philippe, 'tis the only way. 
Plague of your mewling, pining lovers, s&y 

69 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

I ! The wenches like to be carried by storm. 
Knock at the door, hat in hand, and you 
may cool your heels on the door-stone four 
hours together. But up with your knee 
and burst in the door boldly, and — 

I' Philippe. Did you ever woo a maid in 
just that way, Garrett? 

Garrett. To be sure, yes, half a score 
of them! 

Rose. [Coming forward.] How many 
of the half-score did accept you, Garrett, 

Garrett. [Dumbfounded.] Eose, you — 

Rose. The Captain would speak unto 
you, Philippe. [Exit Philippe into house.] 

Garrett. [Trying to appear at ease.] 
You come in a good time, Rose. 

Rose. Good time for you or for me! 
[Garrett starts toward her.] Nay, now, 
I must turn my hand to the wheel. [Sits 
at wheel.] So you sail this afternoon for 
Wessagusett? 

Garrett. Do I? 

Rose. What know II I but know 'tis 
a fair day for a journey. 

70 



a ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Garrett. You were in a different mood 
when you went hence. 

Eose. Or I mistake, or so were you. 

Garrett. Are you angry because of 
those foolish brags I was vaporing to Phil- 
ippe? 

Eose. So you do acknowledge at last 
that you are a braggart? Oh, the good, 
humble youth ! Tut, tut ! Never thrust out 
your lip like that, Garrett. It becomes you 
very ill. 

Garrett. You might spare jesting, 
Eose. [Goes toward her.] You know that 
I— 

Eose. [Putting wheel between them.] 
I'd best be prepared if you go about to up 
with your knee and burst in the door boldly. 

Garrett. [Angrily.] The devil ! [Sits 
on stump, R.] 

Eose. Truly, a proper patron saint for 
your fearsome style of wooing. Begin now ! 
I'm fortified! [After a moment, sings.] 
And now you're sulking, sulking, sulking, 
And now you're sulking, my good man! 

Garrett. You call for music, mistress! 
Listen, then ! [Sings] : 

71 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

"Shall a woman's virtues move 
Me to perish for her love f 
Or her well deservings known, 
Make me quite forget mine own ? ' ' 

Eose. Earely sung, Garrett ! Only you 
flatted that last note. You'd best sing it 
again till you be perfect. Come, again! 
Again ! 

Garrett. [Crosses to her, sings] : 

"If she slight me when I woo, 
I can scorn and let her go. 
If she be not fit for me, 
What care I for whom she bet " 

[Enter John from wood, with several 
ears of corn,] 

John. Give you good day! 

Eose. Oh, you are come at last, [Runs 
to him.] Nay, fling by your hat, and be 
you welcome ! Such dull company as I am 
pining in ! Nay, I'm your servant ever for 
this release. 

John. I scarce dared hope for such a 
welcome, Eose. Give you good day, Fos- 
ter. 

Garrett. [Shortly.] Good day, sir. 
[Sits sulkily on step of porch.] 

72 



A ROSE 0> PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Rose. Fie, fie! Where are your man- 
ners, Garrett! John, have you brought 
the nuts you promised? 

John. Nay, something better than that. 
Look you, 'tis a kind of corn I got of the 
Indians. If you fry it, 'twill turn white 
and be most dainty to eat. 

Eose. Truly? Thou art a rare lad, 
John ! Here, Philippe, quickly ! [R e-enj er^ 
Phifi^eA Wood, and a spark to't! I'll 
run within for the skillet. [Philippe gath- 
ers loose twigs and makes a little fire at 



John. Come, Foster, for all the corn be 
mine, will you not at least look thereon? 

Gabbett. No. 

Rose. I prithee, speak not of corn to 
Garrett. Since last August it hath been a 
tender subject with him. [Exit Rose, 
laughing, into house.] 

John. [Laughing.] I wonder not, in 
truth! 

Gaebett. Do you mind, Margeson, there 
be some tendernesses 'tis best not to touch 
with a rude hand — lest tenderness turn 
tough ! 

73 



*A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

John. And what tenderness of thine am 
I to keep hands off, Garrett Foster? Thy 
tenderness for corn, or thy tenderness for 
— - Roses? 

Garrett. Keep a maid's name from 
men's quarrels, you — 

y Philippe. Peace, you firebrands ! "Will 
you turn the autumn woods redder still? 
Peace ! The maids are here. 

[Re-enter Rose, who carries a long- 
handled skillet, and Miriam, with a 
skein of yarn.] 

Eose. Who cried " quarrel"? Sure, 
one cried "quarrel" as we came! A rare 
hour to quarrel, with such toys at hand to 
say whose quarrel's right! [Points to 
rapiers.] 

Miriam. Ah, Rose, a wicked jest ! Good 
day unto you, John. What hold you there ? 

Rose. Nay, bear him the skillet, and he 
will show thee magic with what he holds. 

Miriam. I may help you, John ? 

John. Nay, let me not break your labor 
with the yarn you carry. 'Twas Rose that 
promised. 

74 



A ROSE 0* PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

[Miriam sighs and turns away. John 
goes to fire, gives slcillet to Philippe 
to hold, and shells corn into it. Gar- 
rett rises and goes quickly to Rose.] 
Gaebett. Eose ! 
Eose. [Back to him.] Um-m! 
Gaebett. In an hour they hoist sail for 
Wessagusett. And I wait your answer. 

Eose. Still waiting that answer? I 
thought you gave me mine long since, that 
song — 

Gaebett. I was angered. I meant it 
not. Ah, Eose, sweetheart, I meant it not. 

Eose. If I meant it not, I would not sing 
that song. ,r Tis scarce a pretty song. 

Gaebett. If you like it not, I will for- 
get it and forever. You see, I am obe- 
dient. 

Eose. Miriam, suffer Garrett hold that 
yarn for you since he desires it. 

Gaebett. But I — 

Eose. Let me see if you he so obedient. 
Mieiam. Here, Garrett, if you will. 
[Sits on porch.] 
Gaebett. [Bitterly.] It gladdens my 

75 



A ROSE O f PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

heart to serve you. [Sits near Miriam, 
holds yam for her to wind.] 

Eose. How speed you there, John? 
[Saunters to fire.] 

John. The better for your coming! 
[Rises, the ear of corn in his hand.] 

Eose. La, la! What a clumsy compli- 
ment you make me there ! And old — so old 
as Methuselah, the father of lies. 

John. Nay, the Scriptures tell us — 

Eose. Oh! Then was he not the father 
of lies? [Looks toward Garrett. Garrett 
has turned his back toward Rose, and is 
making pretense of interested chat with 
Miriam.] Still, some one must have fa- 
thered them, for in the world there be lies a 
plenty ! 

Miriam. [Laughing.] Oh, Garrett! 
What a droll tale vou tell! I ne'er knew 
you merrier. 

Garbett. [Boisterously.] Why, mis- 
tress, 'tis an afternoon for merry-making! 

Eose. [Turns to John, with hysterical 
simulation of merriment.] Look you how 
busy they be, Miriam and Garrett, and so 

76 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

happy! Do not your Scriptures say, 'tis 
labor brings contentment, eh, John Marge- 
son? Let us not be idle, then. Give me 
hither that ear of corn. 

John. Nay, 'tis too harsh and stubborn 
work for your little tender hands. [Holds 
the ear of corn above his head.] 
Rose. Ah, vaurien! 

[Reaches for the ear which John 
holds. A laughing struggle between 
them. Garrett watches Rose and 
John, froivning and wincing at the 
sight.] 
Rose. Nay, but I will! Oh, giant that 
you are! Give it me, I say! Philippe! 
Ungenerous, why will you not help? Ah, 
but I will have it! Voila! [Waves ear of 
corn triumphantly.] Now shall you see! 
[Tries to shell corn with her fingers.] Oh! 
'Tis of a toughness ! [Sits on stump.] 
John. Let me — 

Rose. Nay, let be ! Give me your knife 
hither, Philippe ! Your knife, I say ! 

y Philippe. [Hands her his knife, in a 
teaming voice.] Have a care, sister ! Keen- 
edged tools, they are not pretty toys for a 

77 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

maid to sport with — nor always are they 
safe. I warn you ! Have a care ! 

Eose. [Aside to him.] Safe! What 
care I now for safety? What care I now 
for aught dull — or honest — this afternoon 
of — merry-making? [Garrett still pretends 
to be busied ivith Miriam.] Behold me 
now, good John ! All armed to the encoun- 
ter! [Starts to cut corn from cob.] 

John. A fair warrior, in good truth ! 

Kose. [Watching Garrett.] Ah, think 
you so, John? [Cuts unheedingly and 
wounds her hand.] Oh! 

.Garrett. Eose! [Starts to her.] 
V Philippe. I warned you! Eose! 

Eose. [Piteously.] My hand doth bleed ! 

Miriam. Oh ! The sight of blood ! [Half 
faint, she clings to Garrett, holding him 
back from Rose.] 

Garrett. Eose, let me look — 

Eose. [Looks at Garrett, standing be- 
side Miriam, then deliberately holds out 
her hurt hand to John.] Nay, Garrett, 
Miriam doth need your kindness! I pray 
you, dear John, bind up the hurt for me. 

78 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

[Garrett turns and goes slowly toward 
the porch, where he stands snapping 
a twig between his fingers, his eyes 
on the ground.] 

Miriam. [Amazed and reproachful.] 
Oh, Kose! What is it that you do? 

Rose. [To John.] "lis not a deep 
hurt! 

^Philippe. Naught is yet hurt that can- 
not heal. But hurt no more ! 

John. Leave it to me, Philippe ! [Binds 
up Rose's hand.] You trust your hand 
unto me, Rose? 

Rose. [Curtly.] Yea, I trust you — with 
my finger-tips ! 

Mibiam. [Going to porch.] Garrett! 
[Touches his shoulder.] 

Garrett. [Roughly.] Have done! 

Miriam. I pray you — we two, we are but 
sorry spoil-sports here — [Half crying.] 
I pray you, come in ! 

Garrett. Ay, 'tis the harder for you, 
little wench! For I have comfort yet in 
store — a man's comfort. Go your ways in! 
[Exit Miriam into house, crying softly.] 

79 



'A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

I have a man's comfort! [Sits on step of 
porch, fingering one of the rapiers.] 

John. There! [Finishes bandage.] Is't 
not fairly done. 

Kose. Ay, fairly. 

John. The surgeon's fee! [Kisses 
her hand. Rose starts up, half frightened 
at what she has roused in him.] 
/ Philippe. Hey, John, to your work ! I 
labor to no profit, if you give me not soon 
fresh store of corn. Catch, lad! [Tosses 
John an unhusked ear of corn.] 

John. Ay, let us be busy, Eose. What 
said you? " Labor breeds contentment"? 
Look you, now Garrett sits idle, he hath 
fallen to sulking. 

Garrett. [Looks up, testing point of ra- 
pier with his hand.] Nay, I am not sulk- 
ing — nor am I altogether idle. [John tears 
off last husk of corn.] 

Eose. Ah, look ! The ear of corn ! 'Tis 
red — a fearsome color — the hue of blood ! 

John. The red ear ! Know you the cus- 
tom of the red ear? 

Rose. What custom? 

SO 



'A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

John. Amongst the savages, the war- 
rior that finds the red ear may clasp and 
claim what maid he will. [Garrett springs 
up.] And we, surely we should follow so 
good a custom! [Catches Rose in his 
arms.] 

Kose. [In terror.] Ah, John! Let be! 

Garrett. [With an inarticulate cry.] 
You dog! [Crosses and strikes John so 
that he reels back.] 

Rose. [Hiding her face.] What have I 
done ! What have I done ! 
V Philippe. Edged tools ! I warned you ! 

John. A blow — and from you, you un- 
whipped thief! 

Garrett. There is a way to wipe out 
blows. Come, Bully Margeson! Smooth 
down your cuffs again, man. I'll teach you 
how gentlemen fight. [Catches up rapiers.] 

John. The rogue! What means he? 
Fight? And here? 

Rose. Ah, no ! Not here ! Philippe ! 

V Philippe. Too late, I say! Keep back! 

Garrett. [Throws rapier at John 's feet.] 
Tour sword, Master Margeson! 

81 



r A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

John. Nay, I be no cut-throat to have 
a hand in such bloody — 

Rose. I knew it, little brother ! There '11 
be no fight! No fight! 

John. Give me the rapier. [Throivs 
off his coat.] 'Tis you who have bred this 
crime, mistress. 

Garrett. [Seizing Rose's arm.] You 
jade! You jade! When I have done you 
shall kiss me o' the mouth for this! 

Rose. I will kiss the better man. 

Garrett. Then you will kiss me. 

[Garrett almost flings Rose aside, and 

engages ivith John. The sun is now 

near to setting behind the autumn 

trees. Only a little light is caught 

. j and held by the flickering rapiers.] 

If Philippe. Oh, you fools ! Put up ! ' Put 

up, I say! 

Rose. [Crouching against the porch, al- 
most beside herself.] Oh, what did I say? 
They are fighting — they are fighting for 
me — for me ! Oh, God ! Stop them ! Stop 
them ! Philippe ! Philippe ! 
■/ Philippe. Too late, I say ! Top. late ! 
[Re-enter Miriam from house.] 

82 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Miriam. Oh, John! John! John Mar- 
geson will be killed ! Help ! Help ! Help ! 
[Re-enter Barbara.] 

Barbara. A duel! [Calls into house.] 
Miles ! Miles ! [Re-enter Standish.] 

Standish. Put up, you fools, put up! 
I'll hang you both! 

Rose. Hang! And I — Oh, stop! stop! 
stop! [Flings herself madly between the 
combatants.] 

\/ Philippe. Are you gone mad? 

self, by the impetus, breaks through 
the rapiers, staggers, and recovers 
himself at back. He draws out his 
handkerchief and holds it to his side, 
staunching the blood and every mo- 
ment growing weaker. No one heeds 
him. Barbara is entirely occupied 
. ivith Miriam, who clings to her, half 
hysterical.] 

Garrett. [To John, still fighting mad.] 
Have at you, now ! [As they engage again, 
Garrett wounds John slightly in the arm.] 

Standish. Stand where you are — on 

83 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN, 

your life! [Garrett and John lower their 
rapiers.] 

Rose. Oh, Captain! Captain! 

Standish. Who began this? [There is 
an instant's pause. Then John lifts his ra- 
pier and with it points at Garrett.] You, 
Garrett Foster? [Garrett raises his eyes, 
meets the Captain's glance, and lets his 
eyes fall again.] Here is no place for 
brawlers. I put sentence of banishment 
upon you. Never show your face again 
within the Plymouth settlement. 

Rose. [Wildly.] Banish him? No, no! 
Oh, Captain ! 'Twas I stirred them to their 
quarrel — I — Oh, Garrett! Garrett! 

V Philippe. [Coming forward, faintly.] I 
pray you, Captain! Garrett— do not — 
[Staggers.] 

Standish. [Catching Philippe.] Lad! 
What's wrong? [Helps Mm to sit on 
stump.] 

Rose. Philippe ! Oh, my brother ! 

' Philippe. Nay, 'tis nothing ! I came be- 
tween them — Rose — Rose was — [Falls 
back, fainting, against Standish' s arm.] 

84 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Rose. Oh! [Throws herself down on 
her knees by Philippe.] 

Garrett. Rose ! Forgive — 
Standish. Go ! 

Rose. What have I done? Oh, dear 
God ! What have I done I 

[Rose buries her head, sobbing, on 
Philippe's knees. Garrett turns and 
goes slowly into wood. John, with 
his hand pressed to his wounded 
arm, watches him go.] 

CURTAIN. 



A ROSE O y PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 



ACT III. 

Scene: Same as Act I. Candles lighted 
on table and chimney piece. Through the 
windows can be seen the dark night shy, 
and a few keen, wintry stars. 

At rise of curtain, Barbara sits on settle, 
Miriam at her feet, with her head resting 
on Barbara's knee. Rose at window. 
Aunt Resolute by fire, knitting. 

Barbara. Eose ! Eose ! 

Eose. What is't? I thought you all 
asleep. 

Bakbara. Miriam is dozing — 

Miriam. [Sleepily.] Indeed, no! 

Barbara. Eest you still, child ! Can you 
see naught, Eose? 

Eose. Nay, all is dark at the landing. 
And John Margeson promised me so soon 
as the shallop touched the shore he would 
show a lanthorn there. 

Barbara. A good lad ! 

Aunt Eesolute. Ay, good at holding a 
torch to other men's triumphs! 

86 



51 ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Bakbaba. Nay, 'tis not his fault that he 
had no part in this expedition to Manomet ; 
all the settlement could not share therein. 

Kose. My brother Philippe went. 

Mikiam. [Rousing up.] What said you 
of Philippe? 

Rose. The truth, for I spoke only good 
of him. 

Aunt Resolute. What time o' night is 
it, niece? 

Babbaba. Past mid-evening, I judge, 
and nipping cold, I know. I ne'er have 
known a night in March so bitter. 

Mibiam. How they must be suffering in 
the shallop! 
Rose. Light, ho ! Light, ho ! 

Babbaba. They're coming? They're 
coming? [Barbara and Miriam go to win- 
dow.] 

Rose. Thrice waved! 'Tis they re- 
turned, and cold and hungry, too. Come, 
stir, stir, Miriam! Look to the soup if it 
boil. [Miriam runs to fire.] 

Babbaba. Let us show them a light also. 
[Takes candle from table.] 

87 



jr 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN , 

Rose. They'll need no light to find their 
way hither. Hark! [The tramp of feet is 
heard in the snow without.] Here cometh 
one already ! [Enter C. Standish, in corse- 
let and helmet.] 

Barbara. Miles ! Oh, my husband ! 

Standish. [Kissing her,] Safe back 
again, you see, Bab, a bit frosty, but hale 
else. Faith, you're all astir ! 

Rose. Where should we be, Captain! 

Standish. You might be sleeping snugly, 
as we found the watchers in the Common 
House but now. 

Rose. Sleeping? Margeson and all? 

Aunt Resolute. Margeson if any, I'll 
wager me I 

Standish. Why so fierce? Their keep- 
ing awake profited no one. 

Rose. True enough, Captain, though 
you might say kinder. 

Barbara. What success had you in your 
expedition, Miles? 

Standish. W T hy, fair success. But pre- 
serve me from ever making another expedi- 
tion with the Wessagusett men ! 

88 



A ROSE O 9 PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Barbara. Such ill comrades ? 

Standish. I would not ask for worse. 
Still, we have secured the corn and some 
beans. 

Barbara. And what of the Indians, 
Miles? Are they friendly? 

Standish. Friendly or not, what mat- 
ters it? 

Barbara. Indians have arrows, Miles. 

Standish. Ay, and the Plymouth men 
have bullets. [Laughs.] The Indians are 
friendly. 

Mibiam. Will you eat of the soup now, 
Captain Standish? 

Standish. Presently, cousin. I'll shift 
off this armor first. 

Barbara. I'll light you hence. [Exit 
Barbara R., with candle.] 

Rose. [Detaining Standish.] Captain 
Standish, have you heard — is there any 
news maybe— come from Wessagusett? 

Standish. No good news, lass. 'Tis an 
ill end their settlement is rushing to. They 
began with robbing the savages, and now 
the savages rob them, and they be so weak 

89 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

they must pocket it up. ,r Fis a shame to 
their English blood ! They are living like 
dogs. 

Eose. All of them? Oh! All of them! 

Standish. So it was for one man, and 
not the whole settlement, you questioned 
me! Do you think that man hath proved 
worthy of the liking of honest folk! Nay, 
forget him, lass, forget him ! [Exit Stand- 
ish R.] 

Miriam. You still can have a tender- 
ness for that wicked man? 

Rose. Wicked? Sure, 'twas not your 
brother he near killed. 

Miriam. Nay, but he hurt John Marge- 
son sorely. 

Aunt Resolute. Not sorely enough! 
'Twas the worse news I heard of the whole 
clamjamfry when I woke from my nap 
that he hurt not Margeson sorely! 

Rose. Ay, John recovered. All is as 
it was before, save that Garrett Foster is 
sent away. 

Miriam. Nay, comfort you, Rose, if you 
need comfort. It may be he will return 
again. 

90 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Rose. 0, Miriam Chillingsley ! Who 
asks him to return? Sure, I do not. Was 
it not I sent him hence? Did I not say I 
wished never to see him — 

[Enter Philippe C, in buff jacket and 

y high boots.] 

V Philippe. Never see whom, Rose? 
Not me, I pray! 

Rose. Philippe! You've come back 
safe? [Embraces him.] Ah! How cold 
you are! 

^Philippe. I'll be warm speedily. 

Aunt Resolute. Come hither to the 
fire, lad. 

1/Philippe. [S ees Mir iam and s tarts to 
her.] Why, Miriam! 

Miriam. [With a bowl in her hand.] 
Oh, gently, gently! I'll spill the soup. 

^/Philippe. What matters the soup? 

Rose. 'Tis not your soup to spill, sir, 
'tis the Captain's. 

\y Philippe. You are looking kindly to 
the Captain's welfare, Miriam. Have you 
done naught for me? 
Miriam. Yea, indeed, there is soup and 

91 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

to spare for you, Philippe. Rose will sure- 
ly give it unto you. [Exit Miriam R.] 

Rose. Yea, that I will. Sit you down, 
Philippe, and I'll fetch it you. 

Y Philippe. [Sitting at table.] Nay, I 
am not hungry. 

Aunt Resolute. Good lack, but he's 
young! 

Rose. Yet but now — Hey, presto! It's 
a tricksy appetite you have, Philippe. 
[Goes to him at table.] 

V Philippe. In any case, 'tis gone. 

Rose. Unless Miriam return to serve 
you, eh? Listen to me, Philippe, listen to 
me. I bade thee brother Miriam, but I did 
not bid thee be more brotherly to her than 
to thine own sister. 

\ Philippe. [Taking her hands.} I would 
not be her brother for the world, Rose. 
Fret not yourself for that, for I say it 
from my heart. 

Bose. Philippe, you are laughing at me. 
\ Philippe. Nay, I protest to you — 
Rose. In the depth of your eyes you 

92 



A ROSE Q' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

are laughing. Let me go ! [Tries to pull 
aivay from him.] I hate you! Let me go! 

V^ Philippe. Come, come, be not angry 
with me, Rose. Be your own dear self 
again and answer me soberly, for there are 
a many things I have to ask you. 

Rose. Ask me? Of what? 
h Philippe. Hath John Margeson been 
hither often these last days? 

Aunt Resolute. Cheer thee! He is 
under foot most times o' day. 

Y Philippe. With whom does he talk? 

Rose. With whomsoever is foolish 
enough to listen, 

Y Philippe. Is Miriam ever thus foolish? 

Rose. I thought you held Miriam dis- 
creet. 

L/Philippe. I — I respect Miriam. I like 
not to see her pining. Doth all her love 
still turn to Margeson? Say true, sister! 

Rose. Truly, the soup is boiling over! 
[Tries to run to fire.] 

Y Philippe. [Staying^JiM^i^ These days 
when we have been storm-bound, when you 
knew we were in peril on the sea, did — 

93 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

did she speak aught — of us, Rose? Have 
we — have I been at all in her thoughts! 
Tell me, sweetheart sister, tell me! 

Rose. I see not what concern of yours 
it is, Philippe. 

y Philippe. I would fain know if I have 
been at all in her thoughts. Come, honey, 
answer me. 

Rose. You are far too young for such 
matters, little brother. [Breaks away 
from him,] 

Philippe. [After a moment. J As you 
will. What shall I do with this letter, 
Rose! 

.Rose. What letter? 
V Philippe. A letter for you I have here. 
Rose. For me? Oh! For me? From 
Wessagusett? 

r Philippe. One of the settlers who 
joined our expedition gave it me. I think 
he said 'twas from Garrett Foster. 

Rose. [Running to him,] Oh, give it 
me, give it me, Philippe! 

Philippe. Now I see not what concern 
of yours it is, my Rose. 

94 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Rose. Philippe de la Noye, give me my 
letter ! 
}/ Philippe. You are far too young for 
such matters, little sister. I'll bear it to 
the Captain. 

Rose. Oh! Philippe! Philippe! Come 
back! Come back! What is it that you 
want me to say of Miriam! Give me my 
letter. I'll tell you anything. 

j/Philippe. Hath she thought of me? 

Rose. Oh, she hath lain awake all night 
and gone quite without food. Give me my 
letter. 

Y Philippe. Nay, answer me in earnest. 
Rose. Nay, 'tis mostly earnest. The 
day it stormed so bitterly, she wept, 
though she wished me not to know. She 
hath had no more than a good morrow for 
John Margeson since you set sail. Now 
give me my letter, dear, sweet Philippe, 
give me my letter! 

\/ Philippe. Nay, dear, sweet Rose, there 
is one thing else you must do ere you have 
it. 

Rose. Aught you will, but be brisk, be 
brisk ! 

95 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 



•. 



Philippe. Will you find pretext to send 
Miriam hither unto me, and quickly ere my 
courage ooze away? 

Rose. I will, I will ! I '11 have her here 
though I fright my guardian angel with 
my lying. [Snatches letter.] You rogue ! 
'Twould serve you rightly if I broke prom- 
ise with you! [Opens letter.] 0, me! 0, 
me! I cannot read this devilish English 
hand! 

Philippe. Maybe I might — 

Rose. Maybe you mightn't! I'll take 
it unto Aunt Resolute! 0, sweet Aunt 
Resolute, wake up! [Shakes her.] 

Aunt Resolute. Eh? 

Rose. Come thou within and read to me 
my letter. 

Aunt Resolute. Within? Nay, 'tis too 
far from the fire. 

Rose. Nay, sure, 'tis warm within! 
Are not the Captain and Mistress Stand- 
ish biding there? 

Aunt Resolute. And doth a man in 
love with his second wife know if the fire 
burn or no? 



96 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Kose. Nay. Indeed, I feel good warmth 
from within. 

Aunt Resolute. Ay, good warmth, 
with thy letter on thy breast ! I've no such 
make-cheer to fright the rheumatics. 

Rose. Oh, but Aunt Resolute, you read 
so beautifully — sweet Aunt Resolute! 

Aunt Resolute. Well, well, I'll cornel 
I'll come! [Exeunt Rose and Aunt Reso- 
lute R.] 

V Philippe. Dear Rose! She doth love 
him, whether or no. He was a rare lad, 
Garrett Foster. Perhaps, after all, some 
part of that advice of his was sound. A 
bit more courage — and give the lass a 
chance to speak her mind. [ Starts to 
R. boldly, changes his mind, comes i. 
back to fire.] Foster's advice — good ad- 
vice it sounded — yet Foster's way of woo- 
ing sped but ill with Rose ! And if it fare 
so with Miriam! Lord! Lord! what a 
thing it is to be afraid ! I think I ne'er be- 
fore was afraid in all my life! Now if 
Miriam were but an Indian with a toma- 
hawk — Hark! Is it she! Now Heaven 
forbid that she be coming now, so soon — 

97 




A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

an hour hence — a half hour hence — [Re- 
enter Miriam,] 

Ah! Good even, Miriam. 

Miriam. You sent for me, Eose said. 

Philippe. Rose told you that I sent for 
you? When I did but bid the jade send 
you hither that I might pretend I met you 
by mistake! 

Miriam. Philippe ! 

Philippe. Lord ! That was a sweet be- 
ginning ! 

Miriam. Nay, if Eose erred and you 
want me not — 

Philippe. Want you? I ne'er knew 
what 'twas to want until I wanted you. 
Have you no word of welcome for me? 

Miriam. You are welcome home. Sure, 
that you know without my saying. 

Philippe. Things that people know are 
yet ofttimes sweet to hear. 

Miriam. Yea, I can well believe it. 
[Goes to window.] 

Philippe. Ah, you watch for Marge- 
son. 



93 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Miriam. Why should I watch for him? 
He is Rose's lover, not mine. 

Philippe. Nay, forgive me. 

Miriam. There is naught to forgive. 
Why should you not speak of John? He 
is naught unto me. 

Philippe. [Going to her.] You mean — 

Miriam. Yea, I mean it in truth. For 
I — [Embarrassed, looks out of window.] 
For he— Ah! What was that? 

Philippe. Where ? 

Miriam. There, yonder, the red light on 
the snow. 

Philippe. Nay, 'tis nothing. A light 
from the sky, we saw it yesternight. 

Miriam. Oh, I like it not. 'Tis fear- 
some — 'tis like witch-play. 

Philippe. Nay, look not forth. Come 
hither to the fire. 

Miriam. [Sits on settle.] I remember 
it. When I was a child, they used to tell 
me that that red light presaged war and 
the shedding of blood. 

Philippe. Heaven forbid! 

Miriam. Tell me, Philippe, tell iae true 

99 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

— somewhat of Captain Standish's talk I 
overheard but now, somewhat touching the 
savages. Sure, you met with no unfriend- 
liness among the savages? 
l/ Philippe. Why, no, Miriam. 

Mieiam. You are cheating me because 
you think me afraid. Tell me truly, Phil- 
ippe, who is the Indian Wituwamat the 
Qaptain spoke of? 

Y Philippe. Why, 'tis just when we were 
at Manomet, this Wituwamat of the Mas- 
sachusetts tribe came in unto the Captain 
and delivered a long speech we none of 
us could understand. Yea, and he looked 
scornfully upon us, but looks hurt no man 
and — You must not be afraid, indeed, in- 
deed you must not be afraid, Miriam, 
sweetheart! [Gasps, stops.] It doth not 
offend you that I — called you sweet — that 
I — [Sits by her.] It doth not offend — 
[Aside.] Mayhap 'tis the moment! A 
bit more courage, and beat in the door 
boldly. [Very timidly puts his arm about 
Miriam.] 

Mibiam. [Indignantly.] Philippe! 
Philippe, [Drawing away to the far 

100 



A ROSE O 9 PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

end of settle, angrily^ Beat in the door 
boldly! Verily, that Garrett Foster was 
a fool! Now you're angered, Miriam. 
And I — I — Ah, well, I cannot doubt 'tis 
that your thoughts are still with John 
Margeson. 

Miriam. No, I tell you, no! I have 
never given a thought to John Margeson, 
not one, not since — [Hesitates.] 

V Philippe. {Eagerly.] Since when? 
Miriam. Now do you think the heart of 
a maid doth keep a calendar of days or of 
weeks ? 

Philippe. Ah, why will you tease me? 
Why can't you, like a sweet maid, make 
it easier for me to tell you that I love you I 
You know I want to tell you. You know 
I — I don't dare tell you — I know not how 
to tell you I love you— I have had no ex- 
perience in such matters. 

Miriam. [Pleased, turning to him.] 
Truly, Philippe? 

Philippe. Ay, truly! "Why, I've never 
in my life so much as kissed any maid save 
Rose, my sister — 

Miriam. How good you — 

101 



'A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN* 



V, 



Philippe. You see, there's so devilish 
little chance here for a lad to learn kiss- 
ing. There are naught but staid and mar- 
ried women here in Plymouth town. 

Miriam. [Vexed, turning away.] Oh, 
Philippe ! 

Philippe. Now you won't look at me! 
You're not even listening! Oh, there's 
the devil in women! 

Miriam. [Turns to him in horror.] 
Philippe ! 

Philippe. [Seizing her hand as she 
turns. Ay, that's better — that's much 
better! Now look at me — and tell me — 
Do you — May I — Oh, Lord! Why won't 
you give me one word of help? 

Miriam. Mistress Standish says 'tis 
not seemly a maid show her love for a man 
till he hath — he hath — 

Philippe. But I hath. I would say I 

I can't find the word to — 

Miriam. Is a lad's love best told — in 
words? 

Philippe. You mean — Lord! You mean 
that I may— that I — Oh, Miriana! 
Catche$ and kisses her rapturously] 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Babbaba. [Within.] Patiently, patient- 
ly, Eose! [As Philippe starts to kiss 
Miriam again.] 

[Re-enter Barbara and Rose. Phil- 
ippe tries to Jciss Miriam, but does 
not quite dare, lest the others see 
him. Miriam, who is quite sure they 
will be seen, protests in dumb-show.] 
Eose. Sit you down here, Mistress Stand- 
ish. Nay, but Aunt Eesolute had scarce 
begun my reading when she cried out on 
the cold and did scurry to her blankets. 
Here still, Philippe? Eun hence, I pray 
you. Can you not talk unto the Captain? 

yPmuppE. That I will, and very glad- 
xj. [Rises.] 
Eose. Philippe! [Points to Miriam.] 

1/jPhilippe. Come, I wish you more than 
Eose, and she needs me not. Come, Mir- 
iam. [Exeunt Philippe and Miriam R.] 

*- iibin.>nHB-'«iiinnn<mi tiKHinniMiwailWtiiHiwuiiin i milium — "*— ' r " '*' ' " ""' """ •* 

Eose. Now read my letter, sweet Mis- 
tress Standish. [Kneels by Barbara.] 
Oh, read! read! 

Babbaba. Flurry me not, you giddy- 
pate! ,r Fis a task for me to read writ- 
ing, and this is ill writ indeed. 

103 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Rose. Nay, I am sure 'tis very good 
writing. 

Barbara. Then why read you it not? 

Rose. "lis only ill writing like mine 
own I can read. This is too good for my 
reading. Oh, haste, haste! What saith 



Barbara. [Reading.] "Good mis- 
tress — " 

Rose. He might have said "Good 
Rose!" "Dear Rose" — that would have 
been yet seemlier. 

Babrara. "It hath been in my mind to 
write you even since the day I went from 
Plymouth." 

Rose. Sure, his mind shuts with lpck 
and key, since nothing in comes out. 

Barbara. "But at the first I dared not, 
and still when I heard Philippe was re- 
covered, I dared not." 

Rose. Out on him for a coward! 

Barbara. "I know not how 'tis I have 
ventured it now, unless it be — " Verily, 
he hath so blotted it hereabouts 'twill 
need a better eye than mine to unravel it. 

104 



% ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Kose. Oh, try, try! I must know "un- 
less it be" what! Read me that "unless"! 

Barbaka. * ' Unless it be— ' ' 

Rose. Hurry ! Hurry ! 

Barbara. "I know not how 'tis I have 
ventured it now, unless it be — it be — " 
Ah! "Unless it be that I know where 
love hath ceased, pity may be." 

Rose. Love hath ceased? Love hath 
ceased! 

Barbara. "Forgive me, then, for that 
I hurt Philippe. I had not entered on the 
quarrel had I known your heart then as 
well as I know it now." 

Rose. Doth he know it? 

Barbara. "But it was all true and 
earnest, what I said that day, though you 
would not believe it." 

Rose. Ah, but I did believe it! How 
else, since that day, hath my heart ached 
all day long? 

Barbara. "The rumor comes from Ply- 
mouth that in the spring you will wed John 
Margeson — " 

Rose. He could write that? He could 

believe that? 

105 



A ROSE 0* PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Barbara. "If you hold him the better 
man and love him — " 

Rose. But I don't, I don't ! Here he in- 
sults my taste with all else ! 

Barbara. "I pray you may be happy. 
And in your happiness you must cease to 
hate me and try to forgive. ' ' 

Eose. Forgive? I did it long since. 

Barbara. "I can stay for no answer, 
for the chance hath just come to me to go 
north to Monhegan. I shall join the fish- 
ing fleet and work my way to England. ' ' 

Rose. To England? To England? 

Barbara. "I shall never again vex you, 
and so make an end of ill will. Your as- 
sured faithful servant, Garrett Foster.' ' 

Rose. [As if dazed.] He hath gone! 
He hath gone! Oh! Oh! [Hides her 
face against Barbara's knee.] I said — I 
would lead John Margeson a dance. 'Tis 
mine own happiness I have danced down — 
mine own happiness and a brave man's 
heart ! 

Barbara. Rose! My little Rose! In- 
deed, for all your folly you have not de- 
served this bitter pain. 

106 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Rose. He hath gone! He will not stay 
for an answer! [Starts up, hysterically.'] 
What right had he? Nay, I will marry 
John Margeson then. I will not have Gar- 
rett Foster find that he judged me wrong. 
I will marry John Margeson ! 

Barbara. Rose, what are yon saying! 
You mad child! What are you saying? 

Rose. Have you not always praised 
John? Do you not counsel me to marry 
him ? An honest, discreet youth, and I can 
have him for the asking ! Nay, I can have 
him without the asking. His is no dear 
price. 

Barbara. [Goes to Rose, takes her in 
her arms.] Nay, it is your life, my Rose, 
my poor, poor little Rose, that you are 
binding, never to bloom loose in sun and 
wind again. Ay, listen, dear ! The happi- 
est wife — and that, God knows, am I ! — hath 
moments when — Ah, my Rose, read your 
letter yet again — and again, ere — 

Rose. What, what ! You are not speak- 
ing for Garrett Foster? Nay, I care not 
for him nor for his letter, save that I shall 



107 



A ROSE 0> PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

marry John Margeson, I tell you, even as 
Master Foster doth advise. 

Standish. [Within.] Barbara! Here, 
Barbara ! 

Barbara. I must go, my Eose, for an 
instant. There, I pray you, calm your mood 
and bethink yourself. Oh, my dear, this is 
a long doing. Ere you do it, think — and 
pray ! 

Standish. [Within.] Barbara! 

Barbara. I come, Miles ! I come ! [Exit 
Barbara R.] 

Kose. Nay, I be calm enough to take the 
good advice my friends have proffered. 
Sure, so good a friend as Garrett Foster 
must know! [Enter John C, in military 
dress.] Ah-h! There is a proverb apt for 
this coming of thine, John. Speak of the — 
Tut, tut! The end is not so flattering as 
the beginning. Yet 'tis apt ! 

John. Are you in one of your mad 
moods to-night? 

Bose. Nay, I am very sane, more sane 
than e'er before, so prudent folk would say. 

John. Why, so 'tis well. For 'tis of a 
serious matter I come hither to speak to- 
night. 

108 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Kose. [With rising hysteria.] A seri- 
ous matter ? Nay, though it be serious, yet 
tell it with a merry face. I will not have 
grave looks to-night, I tell you — I will not ! 
I will not! Wherefore should I not be 
merry? I've had such gay news ! Why do 
you stand dumb, John Margeson? Talk to 
me, good, ill, I care not what, only talk — 
talk! 

John. Would you have me break in 
upon you? 

Rose. Oh, ever vour brave Sundav man- 
ners, John ! And ever that long, long Sun- 
day face ! Nay, look for once, just once, as 
men look o' weekdays. What, ceremony 
still? Well, then, there's my ceremonious 
curtsy to requite it. And I should have a 
Sunday cap. [Snatches down cap from its 
hook, and puts it on.] Via, your servant! 
Is this brave enough to deserve your seri- 
ous matter? Serious? La, la! Tell it me 
now, good, grave John. Is 't Indians ? Is 't 
a ship of war come from New Amsterda i? 
Is the Governor fallen in an apoplexy? 

John. Truly, there are times I believe 
I like you in your wanton moods. 

109 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Rose. My wanton moods are over-flat- 
tered, John. John ! Did any one ever call 
you ' ' Jack " f ' ' Jack Margeson ' ' I 

John. Nay, but you might call me that. 
Rose. Fortune, I thank thee! [Throws 
aside cap.] And what will you call me? 
John. Rose, I would call you — wife. 

Rose. Verily and indeed! Have you 
not said something like to this ere now? 

John. Make an end of jesting, Rose. 
It has gone too far. The gossips have fast 
coupled our names — 

Rose. Coupled our names ? Ours ! 

John. Ay, since the ill affair with that 
son of perdition — 

Rose. Son of perdition? Ah, to he sure, 
you must mean that young man Foster — 
ay, Garrett Foster, he that gave you so sore 
an overthrow last summer. 

John. And had he not fled, like the out- 
lawed villain that he was, the whipping- 
post was the least our law held in store for 
him. 

Rose. Oh, he hath no fear of your law — 
he hath now no concern for the colony or 

110 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

aught that is in it ! Sure, this is not your 
grave matter — that Garrett Foster is a son 
of perdition? Tell me news! Tell me 
news! 

John. Is it not grave enough that I 
prayed you but now to marry me I 

Rose. Marry you? 

John. I stand as well as any man in the 
colony. I can care for you as well— 

Eose. And love me as well? Look me 
in the eyes and answer me that, John Mar- 
geson ! 

John. Surely, I can love you well, Rose 
— so that you love me well. 

Rose. Yes, yes. So that I love you 
well! 

John. You'll marry me, then? 'Tis 
said? 

Rose. Ay! Oh, let me say it quickly! 
I'll marry you, I tell you, I'll marry you! 
Are you content? 

x/Philippe. [Within.] Good night to you, 
^Captain ! [Re-enter P^g^umd,, 



■■-' 

Philippe. Ah, John, do you bear jae 
111 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

company down the hill? [Speaks with Mir- 
iam, bidding her good night in dumb-show.] 

John. Good even then, Eose. And — 
my right. [Draws her to him.] 
Rose. Ay, your right ! 

[Very quiet and white she raises her 
face and with a little shudder re- 

/ceives his hiss.] 
Philippe. Rose ! 

Rose. John and I have plighted troth, 
Philippe. Good night to you. [Exit John 

y/ t Philips. You — to John Margeson? 
Rose! After all you have said? 

Rose. After all I have said. I — to John 
Margeson. 

y PHn jppe. [Angrily.] Good night ! 

[Exit Philippe C. Miriam stands in 
door to watch him go.] 

Rose. Philippe ! Oh, my brother ! [She 
strikes her hand against her lips.] His 
right ! His right — forever — when he will — 
past my denying! Oh! Oh! [Sits on set- 
tle.] 

Miriam. [Turning from door.] Bear 
Rose! 

112 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Eose. Shut the door ! Close and quick ! 
I'm cold! I'm deathly cold! 

Mibiam. Ay, sure, 'tis a bitter night. 
Yet you should be heart-warm, sister Eose, 
new troth-plight and so happy. [Sits by 
Rose.] 

Eose. Ay, new troth-plight and so 
happy ! 

Miriam. Nay, will you not look at me! 
Ay, you must not feel — Indeed, I do not 
care for John Margeson — no, not one jot. 
Grieve not for that. For I see, now I have 
seen other men, how selfish he is, and how 
cruel— Oh, nay, nay, Eose! Indeed, I 
meant it not ! I meant it not ! 

Eose. You spoke the truth of him, I 
think. 

Miriam. I meant it not. Ah, Eose! 

Eose. You do not love him? You are 
quite, quite sure you do not love him? 

Miriam. Oh, quite, quite sure! 

Eose. At least I will be glad for that. 
That's somewhat. Why, truly yes, Miriam, 
I am happy. It hath been so merry an 
evening — so merry! Bun you to bed, sweet 
I'll make fast the door. 

113 



r A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Mikiam. Come speedily. [Takes candle, 
goes upstairs.] Good night, Rose! 

Rose. Good night ! [Exit Miriam R. 3.] 
A merry evening! A merry — merry even- 
ing! [Looks curiously at her wrists.] 
Nay, there be no cords upon my wrists — 
yet I can feel them there ! And I who prom- 
ised long ago to kiss the better man! 
[Takes the letter from floor where it has 
fallen.] The better man ! I shall be John 
Margeson 's wife, as yon counselled. I shall 
be John Margeson 's wife — and John will 
have his right— his right — his — Oh, mother 
in Heaven ! 

[Turns sobbing to fireplace. The door 
C. opens noiselessly, and Garrett 
drags himself in, bareheaded, coat- 
less, ivhite-faced, in the last stages 
of exhaustion. He stands leaning 
against the door-frame, speechless, 
his eyes upon Rose.] 

Rose. [With a sense of some one's be- 
ing in the room, she turns slowly, sees Gar- 
rett, and starts forward.] Garrett Foster ! 
Garrett Foster! Here? Here in Plymouth? 
[Recovers herself; bitterly.} Nay, verily, 

114 - 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

this is not the way by Monhegan back to 
England ! 

Garrett. Rose ! 

Eose. Why have you come ! 

Garrett. Faith, what if I came to dance 
at your wedding, Mistress de la Noye f 

Rose. I have plighted troth to John 
Margeson this hour — this moment, do you 
hear? — even as you bade, and because you 
bade! [Dashes down letter.] I — Gar- 
rett! You're spent! [Starts to him.] 

Garrett. No! No, I tell you! No! 
Don't touch me. I must speak with the 
Captain. I — Keep your hands from me. 
'Sdeath, I can stand straight ! [Staggers.] 

Rose. [Half supporting him.] Come to 
the fire! Come! 

Garrett. Not so near yet! I'm chilled 
enough to freeze the flames. [Sinks weakly 
on settle.] 

Rose. Coatless such a night as this? 
You have not tramped it down the Massa- 
chusetts trail? 

Garrett. Nay, I made a trail of mine 
own through the bushes. I lost my way. 

115 



. A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Last night I slept in the open. I — Well, 
'tis over! 'Tis over! [His head sinks upon 
his breast.] 

Eose. Garrett! Lookup! Let me run 
fetch Captain Standish ! 

Garrett. Plague o' your Captain! 
[Catches her skirt.] D'ye think I froze 
and starved for his sake? I don't want 
your Captain ! I want you, Eose ! Eose ! 

Eose. Garrett! Have pity! Have 
pity! 

Garrett. [Clinging to her, half deliri- 
ous.] But a moment. I want to look on 
you. I have thought on you — hut this is 
real. And I'm out o' the snow; 'twas up 
to my thigh some places, and — God ! hut 
the fire is good ! 

Eose. He's wandering. Oh, my lad! 
My poor, poor lad ! Let me hring you to 
drink. [She gently looses his hold upon 
her.] Nay, I'll not go out of your sight, 
Garrett! I'll not go out of your sight! 
[Crosses to cupboard.] 

Garrett. It looks as I rememhered it. 
I've thought on this room so many times, 
there at Wessagusett. There you fight even 

116 



A ROSE O 9 PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

for the corner you lie in. Always brawling 
there! Sometimes I could scarce think of 
you for the brawling. 

Eose. [Crosses with a cup.] There! 
"lis the Captain's brandy! Drink! 

Garrett. [Drinks, then speaks with the 
ghost of his old merriment.] It relishes 
better than the brew you gave me last sum- 
mer. Do you remember last summer, little 
Eose? 

Eose. Eemember? I shall remember 
after I am dead ! 

Garrett. Your health ! My faith, the 
same old Eose! 

Eose. No! No, I tell you! I am to 
marry John Margeson. 

Garrett. Don't speak, Oh, my Eose! 
Don't speak! Give me this minute. He 
hath had all the winter ; he will have all the 
days that are to come. Can you not spare 
me this one minute! Faith, I'm grown 
humble, even as you could desire ! [Rises, 
draws her into his arms.] Only a minute, 
only to touch your hand, to look on you — 

Eose. Let me go, Garrett ! Let me go ! 

117 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

I dare not suffer your lightest touch be- 
cause — 

[Re-enter John quietly C] 

Garrett. Because you love him! 

Eose. No! No! Because I hate him. 
Because I love — No ! No ! I said naught ! 
I said — [John closes the door behind him 
sharply. Rose turns, startled, and sees 
him. There is an instant's silence. Then 
she speaks in a breathless voice.] John 
Margeson ! 

John. [Coming down.] I am not wel- 
come, then? You have a guest! Ay, as I 
thought. Good even to you, Garrett Fos- 
ter! 

Rose. John, listen to me. Listen! 

John. How came you hither! 

Garrett. How else but on my two feet! 

John. Howe'er you came, you have 
broken the edict of banishment. 

Rose. The edict ! Garrett ! 

Garrett. I have broken also three pal- 
ings of your rotten stockade. Go mend 
them. Best take to yourself a hammer and 
put off your sword, 'less ye can handle it 
better than last summer. 

118 



*A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Rose. Oh, hush ! hush ! 

John. Let him rail, and he will, lass. 
When a man's hands are tied, we leave his 
tongue free. 

Garrett. A pretty similitude, Margeson, 
but my hands are not tied, nor like to be. 
Give me to speak with the Captain. 

John. Stand, there! Your business is 
with the Governor. 

Rose. The Governor ! 

John. What is this gallows' dog to you! 

Rose. He was a good friend to us all. 
Let him go, John ! You head the watch ; 
you have but to leave the way clear. Let 
him go! Oh, let him go, even as he came! 
I ask it of you, my first asking, since I gave 
you the right of my lips. 

Garrett. Right of her lips ! Hell burn 
him! 

John. I have a duty to the town, mis- 
tress. [Seizes Garrett by the collar.] 
Come ! 

Rose. You coward! He can scarce 
stand ! [Runs to door R.] 

John. He need not feign weakness with 

119 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

me. [Flings Garrett off so that he falls 
to floor.] 

Rose. [Calling aloud.] Captain Stand- 
ish ! Captain ! Captain ! 
[Re-enter Standish] 

Standish. Yes, Rose. What is it? You, 
Margeson — 

Rose. No, no ! Look not thither. Only 
listen to me. Listen ! You must be merci- 
ful. You have always been. And 'tis be- 
cause of me he has broken your edict. 
Promise you will deal gently by him — 
[Garrett drags himself to his feet. John 
grasps his arm.] 

Standish. Garrett Foster! Here? 

Garrett. Let go I [Flings John aside, 
steps forward unsteadily.] At your serv- 
ice, Captain. The bad penny — 

Standish. Silence ! 

Rose. Oh, Captain! Captain! 

Standish. Peace, Rose! Foster, you 
bear in mind the words I said to you when 
I sent you hence. Margeson, conduct this 
man to the block-house and secure him in 
close custody. 

120 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Rose. Captain ! It is not to prison you 
are sending Garrett Foster — it is to death! 

John. His deserts, when he hath had 
due trial. Come ! 

Rose. Doth the frost wait till you try a 
man ere it freezes him? Doth starvation 
wait, or fever, or mortal pain? I tell you, 
it is a starving man — a man wasting with 
fever — a man frozen to the marrow that 
you are sending to an icy prison — and to 
his sure death ere it dawn to-jnorrow ! Cap- 
tain ! Captain ! 

Standish. Good God, lass! I tell you 
I've no choice. But if food — my cloak — 

Gakrett. I'm no beggar — save for one 
word — alone with you — [Faint and gasp- 
ing.] 

John. He would but stay a moment 
longer in warmth and fair company. A 
cunning knave ! Come ! 

Standish. 'Tis I command here. Stand 
back! [To Garrett.] Your word, lad! Be 
quick! 

John. But Captain — 

Standish. Is this mutiny? [John sa- 

121 



A BOSS 0> PLTMOUTH-TOWN. 

lutes and sullenly draws back.] Your word 
now! 

Garrett. [With a gasp.] Indians! 

Standish. [In angry surprise.] Body 
of God! What? 

Garrett. Don't fright the girl. In- 
dians ! 

Eose. I heard and I'm not frighted. 
Quick — quick! Your news! 

Garrett. The Indians — they're on the 
warpath! They'll strike here — at Ply- 
mouth — in a day — two days at most — 
[Garrett sinks down on the settle, half un- 
conscious. Rose bends over him.] 

John. The man doth hut vapor to gain 
more time. Indians! 'Tis a hugbear 
dream. Captain, this fellow shall delay no 
longer. 

Standish. You say — ■ 

John. 'Tis not I command. The Gov- 
ernor! [Produces a sealed warrant.] I 
think you will scarce nay-say this, Captain. 
[Hands warrant to Standish.] 

Standish. [Reading.] "Said Garrett 
Foster — for aforementioned seditions — 

122 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

not suffered to pass from jurisdiction of 
colony." You rat! You crawled for this 
— the instant this lad staggered in, dying, 
to bring us warning? 

John. I know my duty, Captain. 

Gaeeett. Let be! [Rises unsteadily.] 
Take me, while yet my feet — 

Eose. Captain! In God's name! You 
have the power! 

Standish. I did not know he held the 
Governor's warrant. My power — I have 
no power. 

John. [Collaring Garrett.] Come! 

Eose. Wait ! Wait ! Captain ! In that 
warrant you read no word of prison. You 
said only that he should not pass beyond 
the jurisdiction of the colony. Don't you 
see f Don 't you see ? If you held him here 
— a prisoner — a paroled prisoner — 

Standish. [With a shout of relief.] 
Well shot, Major Eose! Margeson, take 
your hands from that man! 

John. I'll to the Governor. There's a 
to-morrow ! 
Eose. To-morrow is to-morrow! For 

123 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

to-night Garrett Foster rests here, in the 
guard of the Captain of Plymouth ! 

Standish. Your parole, sir! [With his 
last strength Garrett draws himself erect, 
salutes, and falls to floor unconscious. Rose 
starts to him. John catches her arm and 
thrusts her back.] 

CURTAIN. 



124 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

ACT IV. 

Scene: Same as Act III. The shutters 
are closed so that the room is darkened. 
Pistols and bags of poivder are upon the 
table. The room is in marked disorder, 
with chairs overturned or displaced. 

At rise of curtain, Barbara has just fin- 
ished loading a musket at table and is 
putting it down. Miriam is crouching 
on the settle, in great terror. 

Miriam. Oh, what will become of us! 
What will become of us? 

Barbara. Miriam! Hush you now! 
Hush! 

Miriam. [Whimpering.] I'm so fright- 
ened ! The Indians ! Oh, if they get us ! 

Barbara. They will not reach us, not 
while the Captain guards the town. [Goes 
to door, C, listens.] Listen! You can no 
longer hear the shots. They have not fired 
a shot for minutes. The fight is surely 
over. 

Miriam. [Sobbing.] Oh! Oh! 

Barbara, And you weep, What wife 

125 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

will you make for a lad with a wilderness 
to tame, if you flinch at the first note of 
danger? [Sets the room to rights.] 

Miriam. Oh, but while the fight was on, 
down there at the stockade, I was brave — 
was I not brave? Nay, I did not cry out, 
not once! I sat quiet here — 

Barbara. And what else should you do, 
pray! Men cannot be hampered with sob- 
bing women, when they've men's work to 
do. 

Miriam. I would be brave, but — oh ! oh ! 
the terror of it ! Here all was so peaceful 
— only last night Philippe swore there was 
no danger — and then — and then this morn- 
ing, like an awful dream, that sudden flur- 
ry of snow and the cry that the savages 
were upon us — without warning — 

Barbara. Ay, it is not the fashion with 
savages to send us warning of the hour 
when they come. 

Miriam. The cries! The shots! And 
the room so dark — I know not if it be night 
or day! 

Barbara. Sure, you would not fling 
wide the shutters to let in stray arrows! 

126 



A ROSE 0> PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Miriam. [Glancing fearfully at win- 
dows.] Oh! Are the shutters fast, think 
you? Are they fast? Oh, let us bar the 
door! [Runs up and bars door.] 

Barbara. Bar the door? Then how 
shall the men run in when they need pow- 
der? Come, come ! If our Kose were here, 
she would show you bravery! 

Miriam. Oh, Eose! Rose! Where is 
Eose? No doubt she is killed — she and 
Aunt Eesolute! They went forth this 
morning ere the fight began — I do know in 
my heart they're killed — 

Barbara. Folly, child ! They came safe 
into the block-house. Did not the men say 
so, 

Miriam. Ay, they said so ! But I don't 
believe them! I — [Heavy knocking at 
door f C. Miriam shrieks.] Oh! Oh! 

/Philippe. [Without A Open! Open! 

Miriam. [Falls on her knees.] Oh! 
Oh! 'Tis the savages! 

Barbara. You silly wench ! Do the sav- 
ages cry in Philippe's voice! 'Tis Phil- 
ippe! [Opens door.] 

[Enter Philippe, in buff jacket, with 
his musket.] 

127 



A ROSE O 9 PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Mibiam. [Covering her eyes.] Oh, 
Philippe! Are you killed $ I dare not 
look! Are you killed? 

Philippe. Killed! I killed? 

v 

Miriam. [Peeping between her fingers.] 
You are quite sure you're not killed? 

Philippe. [Lifts her up and hisses 
her,] Doth a ghost kiss in this fashion? 

Barbara. And now, if your sweetheart 
be sufficient comforted, tell us, what news 
do you bring? , 

Philippe. Ah, bad news! We have 
beaten the Indians back and the fight is 
over. [Thows open shutters. The after- 
noon sunlight streams in.] 

Miriam. And you call that bad news, 
that the fight is over? 

Y Philippe. Why not? I had looked to 
see a fight in earnest — a grapple, strength 
to strength — and they never once topped 
the stockade. A few volleys, and whiff! 
[A blown breath.] they were melting back 
into the forest ! 

Barbara. When you have fought as 
many fights as has the Captain, you will 

128 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

not weep at a fight soon done. How is it 
with the Captain? 

/ Philippe. Why, hearty and swearing, 
* as in the days when he fought in Flanders ! 
Ay, and he'll have me by the ears, if I 
hasten not back with the powder. 

Miriam. Powder! But the fight is 
over ! 

{ ^Philippe. Ay, but we must keep good 

guard. And their powder is nearly spent. 

Barbara. [Giving powder.] Bun then ! 

]/ Philippe. I'll run, you may be sure. I*d 

not have the Captain rate me to-day. 

[Flings open door C. Aunt Resolute, in a 

wadded cloak and hood, is seen drooping 

on the threshold, entirely demoralized.] 

VTPhilippe. Why, Mistress Story! 

Alone? 

Aunt Resolute. Don't talk to me! 
Don't talk to me! 

Barbara. Dear Aunt ! "lis good to see 
you safe! 

Philippe. Sit ye down, mistress. 
^JPhilippe and Barbara help Aunt Resolute 
to sit by the table. Philippe y s muslcet slips 
so it points at Aunt Resolute.] 

129 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Aunt Resolute. Oh ! Don 't point that 
gun at me! 

\/ Philippe. [Bewildered,'] Gun? 

Aunt Resolute. Ay, gun ! Gun ! Turn 
it away! Turn it away! [Philippe shifts 
musket.] And get you gone, gun and all ! 
You're far too young to be trusted with a 
gun! 

v Philippe. [Indignantly.] Mistress 
Story, there be limits to speech ! 

Bakbara. There, there! Quickly with 
that powder ! 

V Philippe. Ay, mistress! 
[Exit Philippe C] 
Aunt Resolute. The careless jackan- 
apes! 

Barbara. Dear Aunt ! To think of you 
at the block-house, where the fight was 
sorest ! 

Aunt Resolute. Ay, well I know it ! 

Barbara. Your brave cloak — 'tis all be- 
smeared with dirt ! 

Aunt Resolute. 'Tis no wonder. These 
last hours I have spent a-neighboring with 
the pumpkins in a snug, dark corner of the 

130 



A ROSE 0* PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

cellar. 'Twas a fine dark spot, but not 
over-salubrious for my rheumatics. 

Mieiam. Oh, the terror of it! 

Aunt Resolute. Ay, and rare music 
did I listen to — whooping of Indians, and 
bellowing of men, and braying of guns! 
There sat I, and trembled, and prayed, 
[Weeps with humiliation] yea, verily, I 
have prayed to-day with great fervor! 
Even I! 

Barbara. Dear Aunt! My heart is 
sorry for you ! There in peril, in the dark, 
alone — 

Aunt Resolute. [Looks up, wickedly.] 
Alone? Did I say I was alone? Mention 
it not, niece, lest unseemly stories go 
abroad in Plymouth, but I was no t alone ! 

Barbara. Not alone? Some other of 
the women — 

Aunt Resolute. Slander not women! 
'Twas no woman sought shelter there in 
the cellar. A fine lusty man — Oh, that such 
should call themselves men ! 

Barbara. A man? A man in hiding, 
and a good fight toward? The Captain 
shall deal with him ! His name ! 

131 



A ROSE O 9 PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Aunt Eesolute. Nay, I could not see 
his face. I but heard his teeth chattering 
in the dark. [Rises.] But I'll search, and 
if I find, 'tis one man in Plymouth shall 
taste the quality of my tongue ! Help me 
hence, lass! [To Miriam.] It has been a 
day! [Goes to door R., Miriam helping 
her.] 

Barbara. Pray you, Aunt! 
Aunt Eesolute. Eh? 
Barbara. Is our Plymouth still too 
quiet for your mind! 
Aunt Resolute. You'd say — 

Barbara. Does it chance youVe found 
at last, even in our poor little Plymouth, 
that new sensation for which your soul 
yearned ? 

Aunt Eesolute. Saucepate! [Bursts 

into tears.] 

[Exuent R. Aunt Resolute, weeping 
bitterly, and Miriam. Barbara be- 
gins tying up bags of powder at ta- 
ble. 

Enter C. Garrett. He wears a notice- 
able crimson coat, a little too large 
for him, and carries a draivn sword 
in his hand, and a pistol in his belt.] 

132 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Barbara. [Glancing over her shoulder, 
carelessly.] More comings? Well, what 
do you here, John Margeson? 

Garrett. If you're talking to John 
Margeson, mistress, you must speak 
louder. 

Barbara. Lord save us! You, Garrett 
Foster? Up on your feet, with a sword in 
your hand? Why, I thought you were sick, 
upstairs, in your bed! 

Garrett. Well, I've not died there — to 
be born again John Margeson. [Comes 
down and places his sword and pistol on 
chimney-piece.'] 

Barbara. But surely you — What could 
have called you forth, lad? 

Garrett. Why, I heard a cracking of 
muskets, and I bethought me of a gap in 
the stockade — 

Barbara. A gap? In our stockade? 
Did the Captain — 

Garrett. The Captain knew naught of 
it. 'Twas a gap I myself made last night 
to enter, three palings knocked away. So 
I clapped into what clothes were at hand, 
and went forth to the gap, and — and when 

133 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

the fight was over, I remembered the 
parole that I gave not to quit this house. 

Barbara. Ay, your parole! If they 
saw you, lad ! 

Garrett. Nay, I think there's no one 
knows I have been forth. For we had that 
gap quite to ourselves — 

Barbara. You say — 

Garrett. Yes, we had it to ourselves — 
I and an Indian or so ! 
Barbara. An Indian? 

Garrett. 'Twas not in nature an In- 
dian should not spy that gap. But no In- 
dian came through that gap ! 

Barbara. Bless your brave eyes ! And 
to think I could mistake you for John! 
'Twas the coat deceived me. 

Garrett. The coat? 

Barbara. Why, sure, 'tis John's old 
coat you are wearing. There's no mistak- 
ing its crimson. 'Twas the talk of the set- 
tlement, when that coat was new. How 
came you by it? 

Garrett. Faith, how do I know? I but 
know the Captain, bade Philippe fetch me 

134 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

a doublet from the spare coats at the Com- 
mon House — beggar that I am ! 

Barbaba. Nay, hush, lad ! I remember. 
And he brought thee this? 

Garrett. 'Twas by my bed when I 
woke. And so 'twas Margeson's coat? Lie 
you there! [Strips off coat and flings it 
down by stairway, where it lies almost con- 
cealed. It is now seen that his right fore- 
arm is bandaged with a blood-soaked hand- 
kerchief.] 

Barbara. Save us! Your arm is hurt! 

Garrett. Ay. An arrow. I had to cut 
it out. And this rag is untidily soaked. 
Good mistress, can you find me a fresh 
bandage? 

Barbara. Ay. I'll run for an old 
linen — 

Garrett. Spare trouble! [Starts to 
stairs.] I'll tear a strip from one of the 
sheets. 

Barbara. From my sheets? From my 
well-beloved English sheets? Now do 
sheets grow on bushes at Wessagusett? 
[Fetches old napkin from cupboard and 
bandages his arm.] An you tear my 

135 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

sheets, you'll find you need do more than 
guard us from the savages ere I forgive 
you. 

Garrett. I'll remember. And I thank 
you, mistress. [Kisses her hand,] 

Barbara. There ! Get you to your bed, 
lest they guess you broke parole. 

[Exit Garrett upstairs and to cham- 
ber R. 3.] 

A brave lad ! Oh, my poor little Eose ! 
I Philippe. [Without.] Come! Come 
you in! 

Eose. [Without.] No! No! I don't 
wish to come in ! I — 

[Enter C. Philippe, holding Rose by 
the ivrist. II er hair is disordered, „ 
her cap held in place by a single pin, 
her kerchief rumpled, her cloak slip- 
ping from her shoulder. She car- 
ries a powder-horn slung over her 
shoulder, and her face and hands 
are smudged with black powder 
stains.] 
'hilippe. Now shame upon you ! You, 
a lass! Loading of guns at the stockade, 
there among the men, as if you were a 

boy! 

136 




A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Rose. [Gaily.] Oh, la, la, little 
brother! You were vastly glad an hour 
agone, when 'twas your gun I loaded ! 

Philippe. And you, a girl ! You would 
not find Miriam Chillingsley doing such 
deeds. 

Rose. Now since when am I to pattern 
myself by Miriam Chillingsley? Miriam 
load a gun? Oh, la! Miriam would load 
a gun from the big end of the powder-horn 
— so ! I tell you, she would, Philippe, she 
would, she would! 

Babbaba. Philippe! Why, what is this 
clamor? 

\/Philippe. Where think you that I found 
her, this madcap sister of mine? There 
at the stockade, there where the firing was 
hottest — all black with powder, loading the 
guns — 

Rose. Ay, and the Governor — the Gov- 
ernor, mark you! — he saw me there, too, 
and what think you he said? 

Barbara. That you were best bide else- 
where, since you broke from the rule of the 
Captain's wife. 

Rose. Nay, he said he was proud that 

137 



A ROSE 0* PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Plymouth owned so good and brave a sol- 
dier ! The honor of it ! Straightway I felt 
myself grow taller by an inch or twain. 
Do you not mark it? [Stands on tiptoe.] 

Barbara.. Dear heart! Ah, my Rose, 
'tis good to hear you speak in the old 
tone, 'tis good to hear you laugh ! 

Kose. Laugh? What else should I do? 
Last night I wept and wept, until I think I 
can never weep again. Done is done, Mis- 
tress Standish, done is done. And 'tis a 
sweet spring day, and we have fought a 
brave fight, and I tell you, the music of 
the guns can drown the cry of a heartache ! 

Barbara. Brave little lass ! 

Rose. Ay, done is done ! And I — I am 
to marry a worthy man who — can care for 
me. Nay, no more tears! [Turns to 
Philippe.] Why, who's sulking here? You 
know what's gone amiss with Philippe? 
He's jealous! 

\/ Philippe, f Angrily.] Rose! 

Rose. Ay, he's jealous that the Gov- 
ernor called me a brave soldier while he — 
he — You know what the Governor bade 
him do? 



138 



A ROSE O 9 PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

1/Thilippe. You minx! 

Kose. The Governor bade him come 
back here to the house and guard the wom- 
en. Poor Philippe! 

Babbaea. And are we not worth guard- 

\y Philippe. No! Not while the other 
men strengthen the stockade and do man's 
work. Well, 'tis John Margeson I can 
thank that I am put to this service. He's 
done it to spite me, because of the matter 
of his coat. 

Eose. What of his coat? 
\/ Philippe. Why, I fetched some clothes 
for Garrett from the Common House, and 
John says 'twas his coat I took. A churl- 
ish fellow to begrudge a coat to Garrett 
Foster who saved the settlement ! 

Rose. Ay, Garrett's warning saved the 
settlement. They all know it. They all 
say it. 'Twas Garrett. Mistress Stand- 
ish, how is he now? 

Baebaba. Sleeping soundly, I pray. 
[/Philippe. Sleeping? Through all this 
turmoil? Verily, he hath learned to be an 
arrant sleepyhead at Wessagusett! 

139 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Bakbaka. Ah, let him rest, poor lad! 
He hath well earned it. I think there is 
somewhat of fever upon him. Let him 
rest. 

Rose. [Coming to Philippe, earnestly.] 
Philippe! You are not angry with me in 
earnest? Look at me, little brother! No, 
don 't look like that ! Ah, Philippe, be gen- 
tle with me! Indeed, indeed, my heart is 
sore ! And you — you are all is left me. 

Philippe. Rose! I meant it not! 
There, there, dear! 

Rose. Not a very merry way to crave 
your countenance, is it? But I'll be merry 
straightway, and we'll be good comrades, 
as we used, won't we, Philippe? 

[Starts to pat his cheek ivith a poiv- 
der-blackened hand.] 
(^Philippe. Ay, surely! [Catches her 
wrist, looks disapprovingly at her hand.] 

Eose. [Laughing.] It is black, n'est- 

ce pas? "Well, I'll run within and wash 

my black away. But I'll return speedily, 

Philippe, speedily! 

[Exit Hose R.] 

VyPHiLippE. Dear lass! Ah, Mistress 

140 



A ROSE O y PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Standish, to see her there at the stockade, 
where any moment a chance arrow — Ah, 
if Miriam had gone with her ! I — I — Per- 
chance, now the fight is over, Miriam 
would venture forth again now? 

Barbara. Are you there at last? Nay, 
I'll tell her as I go one stays for her with- 
out. 

[Exit Barbara R.] 
^Philippe. I thank you, mistress. 
[Re-enter Miriam R.] 

Miriam. 0, Philippe! [Hides her face 
on his breast.] Oh, I was so frightened ! 
./Philippe. There, there, sweetheart! 
You're not frightened now. Come, sit you 
down. We have a grave matter to speak 
on. [Philippe and Miriam sit on settle.] 

Miriam. A grave matter? [Alarmed.] 
Oh, surely, the Indians are not come to 
attack us again? 

Philippe. The Indians are gone. Put 
the Indians from your mind. 'Tis graver 
far than that. Miriam, how shall we go 
about to tell Rose? 

Miriam. Tell Rose? 



141 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Philippe. Why, that we have plighted 
troth. 

Mieiam. Oh, but she will not be angry. 
She hath a plighted lover of her own. So 
you have but to tell her gently — 

Philippe. I tell her? I? 

Mikiam. Why, surely! 

| Philippe. Now I — I should hold it a 
woman's place. And two lassies together 
know sweet ways to tell secrets. 'Twould 
be very seemly if you — 

Miriam. Nay, that I'll not! And fie 
upon you for a coward to ask it of me ! 

Philippe. Did you ever see my sister in 
her anger? 

Miriam. Nay, to me she is ever gentle. 

V Philippe. I have seen her. 

Miriam. But surely so young a maid — 
so small — 

Philippe. The maid may be small, but 
not so is the anger. Ah, 'tis a grave mat- 
ter indeed ! How shall I tell her t How — 

Miriam. Whate'er you say, you must 
be very gentle. 

142 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

ly/irHiLippE. I have it ! Look you, I'll say 
somewhat of Margeson and her betrothal — 

Miriam. Excellent! She will say how 
happy she is, and then you will say — 

Philippe. Then 111 say that no doubt 
she will wish to see me happy, too. Why, 
'tis an easy task! 

Miriam. Yes, yes! 

Rose. [Within.] Philippe! 

Miriam. Good lack, she's coming! 
Sf Philippe. Nay, perhaps, after all, 
'twere better that you — that you — 

Miriam. That I'll not! 'Tis you shall 
tell her! 'Tis you, I say! [Runs up to 
window.] 

[Re-enter Rose, tidy and without her 
cloak, with knitting in her hand.] 
Rose. Ah, Philippe! I'll wager you 
know not what I am knitting here. [Sits 
by table.] 
\f Philippe. \ Going to her.l Knitting! 
It looked to me as if you did but snarl the 
yarn. Now, when Miriam knits — 

Rose. Oh, I care not to hear of Miriam ! 
What is it I am knitting, tell me ! 

143 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN, 



Philippe. I — I — 

Eose. Oh, little brother, you are dull to- 
day! I am knitting you a pair of stock- 
ings. IVe neglected you shamefully these 
last months. 

Philippe, And am I to wait for stock- 
ings till you have knit these? 

Eose. [Counting stitches laboriously.] 
One, two ! Ay. 

Philippe. Verily, I am glad that sum- 
mer is coming. 

Eose. Jackanapes ! 

Miriam. [Aside to Philippe.] Tell her 
now, now while she is merry. 

Eose. You shall see how fast I can knit. 
The stockings will be ready before the 
winter. 
\ / Philippe. Yes, I see. 

Miriam. Tell her! [Crosses to fire- 
place. After a moment takes down Gar- 
rett's pistol from chimney-piece and very 
gingerly handles it.] 

Philippe. Eose — er — er — I saw John 
Margeson this morning. 
Eose. [Soberly.] Yes. You told me. 

144 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 




Philippe. I have hardly had chance to 
say that I — I wish you happy in your be- 
trothal to him. 

Rose. [Sadly, touching his hand.] I 
thank you. 

Philippe. [Looking helplesslu ®t '■Mi- 
riam.] But — but — you see — [To Rose.] 
Surely you are happy in your betrothal, 
sister 1 

Rose. Oh, don't speak of this to me — 
not yet, little brother, not yet, dear ! 
Philippe. Sister. [Sits on table near 

her.] 

-. 

Rose. I don't want to think of John 
Margeson — not this one good hour. I 
don't want to think of last night. I want 
to believe I am back with you in the old 
days, good comrades as we used to be. 
Philippe, do you remember, when you 
would wheedle something from me, how 
you used to coax me and call me Sweet- 
heart Rose? Call me that now, as we 
used ! 

i yJ?HiLippE. Ay, as we used, dear Rose ! 

Rose. Say "Sweetheart Rose"! 

\/Thilippe. [Rising] Nay, sister, 'tis 

145 



f A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

foolish, but I did promise her who is my 
sweetheart indeed that I would never say 
sweetheart to — 

Eose. Your sweetheart indeed! 

Mibiam. [Hurts her hand with pistol] 
Oh! 

Philippe. [Crosses, takes pistol from 
Miriam.] Take heed how you play with 

Lat pistol ! If you were hurt, sweetheart ! 
[Kisses her.] 

Eose. [Springing up.] Oh! Philippe 
de la Noye ! How dare you ! 

Miriam. Is this your gentle telling? 
You've spoilt all ! Let me go ! Let me go ! 

\f Philippe. Oh, but a stockade fight is 
sport to this ! Now if you plight troth to 
a man, why may not I to a maid? 

Eose. Plighted troth? Miriam, you 
should take shame to yourself. My only 
brother — all I have in the world — I did but 
lend him to you and you've stolen him 
from me— you've — 

Philippe. Peace, I say, Eose! Will you 
make her weep? 

Eose. Ay, she must not shed 3 tear, 

146 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

your sweetheart, and you care not though 
I cry my eyes blind. 

Mikiam. Oh, Eose, prithee — prithee — 

Eose. Don't touch me! My only brother! 
All— all I had! 

Miriam. 0, cruel ! Would you alone be 
happy? 

Eose. I — happy? Nay, I would alone 
be — unhappy. What right have I — 0, 
Miriam, forgive me ! I was selfish. I was 
cruel. Forgive me, little sister. [Takes 
Miriam in her arms.] 

/ Philippe. The Lord fought for me ! 

Eose. There, go now — go! 'Tis a 
strange day — a strange day! Philippe, 
take your — sweetheart, and God go with 
you! [Philippe kisses Roses hand.] 

[Exueni Philippe R., with Miriam.] 
Even Philippe! Even my brother! Oh, 
I'm alone — alone! 

[Re-enter on stairs Garrett, coatless, 
in a clean shirt, the sleeve of which 
covers the bandage on his arm.] 
Eose. Oh! You have risen? 
Garrett. At last! [Comes down 

147 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

stairs.] I take shame to myself for a lag- 
gard. 

Eose. Ay, well you may ! For while you 
slept, a good fight has been fought. Oh, 
no, no, Garrett! I know not what I say! 
You were spent, you were ill. 'Twas well 
that you could sleep. 

Garrett. Ay, 'twas well. For I had a 
good dream. 

Eose. A dream! 

Garrett. I dreamed that all that hap- 
pened here last night was a dream — all but 
one moment. 

Eose. One moment! 

Garrett. [Passionately.] The moment 
when — 

Eose. The moment that you must for- 
get. 

Garrett. Eose ! 

Eose. Ah, not like that, Garrett! You 
must never speak to me like that — never 
again! The night is over, we are sane 
now, in the daylight, are we not! And — 
and I am a plighted wife. 

Garrett. [Bitterly.] Ay, plighted to 
a — 

148 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Eose. Hush ! He is to be my husband. 

Garrett. Eose! [Catches her hand.] 
Forgive me! I was a brute to lay more 
upon you. I — 

Eose. I pray you, let go my hand. 

Garrett. Sure, you can suffer that 
much — just the touch of a friend's hand? 
YouVe not cast me out utterly from your 
— friendship? Nay, I'll speak of naught 
that may offend you, I swear it. Only to 
touch your hand — there is no wrong in 
that? Nor in that we speak together for 
one little moment. 'Tis for the last time. 

Eose. Garrett! [Sits on settle.] 

Garrett. Ay, as they set me free, I 
shall get me back to England. 

Eose. Yes! Back to England! And 
then? 

Garrett. Then to the wars! 

Eose. Yes. 

Garrett. When I am gone, I wonder — 
will you ever think upon me, Eose? 

Eose. I shall not forget you. I do not 
forget my — friends. When I sit at my 
wheel, in — my husband's house, I shall 

149 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

think on you, and I shall pray God that 
you speed well — indeed, I shall pray it! 
I shall pray it ! [Rises, turns away.] 

Garrett. I shall speed the better in 
that your prayers go with me. I — Rose! 
[Catches her to him.] 

Eose. Oh, no! No! It is the end — it 
is the end! I cannot make you a mere 
friend, not even to give myself these mo- 
ments with you, with an honest heart I 
cannot ! We must not speak — we must not 
see each other, never again. Oh, my dear, 
can't you seel I'm afraid of you! I'm 
afraid of myself! [Turns away, hiding 
her face.] 

Garrett. Forgive me this that I have 
wrung from you. 'Tis for the last time. 
[Goes toward stairs.] 

[Enter John C] 

John. Good morrow to you, Rose. 
[Stands at foot of stairs.] 
Garrett. Let me pass hence. 

John. 'Tis a high tone you take for a 
jail-bird. 

Garrett. But you are not my jailer. 
You! Will you tell me now that the In- 

150 



Jt ROSE O 9 PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

dians were my bugbear dream? Next time, 
believe my warnings. 

John. You came to warn the settle- 
ment ! You came to Plymouth to steal my 
holdings — and you came an hour too late! 

Eose. Oh ! 

John. You can make your boast of sav- 
ing the settlement — you always were a 
braggart ! But the girl is mine — you hear 
me? Now you may go hence. [Comes 
down.] The Governor hath set you free. 

Rose. [Joyfully.] Free? 

John. Ay, free! He hath given you 
back your parole for this brave deed of 
yours — and you are free. Free to go to 
the devil, an you will! [Turns to Rose.] 
Rose, my sweetheart! Where is my kiss? 
[Starts to kiss her.] 

Rose. [Shrinking.] John! No, no! 

Garrett. [Under his breath.] God! 
[Opens door C] 

Rose. Garrett ! [Runs to him as if for 
protection.] 

John. By what right, mistress, do you 
hold him here? 



151 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Kose. ,What right? [Wildly.] That he 
is a sick man, a fevered man — 

Gakrett. Nay, let me go! There is 
less fever upon n\e alone, out under the 
sky! [Exit Garrett C] 

Eose. Garrett! 0, Garrett! [Leans 
against door, with face hidden.] 

John. Truly, 'tis a lover-like greeting 
you give me, mistress. 

Eose. [Turns to him.] John! I — I 
have to speak with you. You will listen! 
Oh, you will listen? 

John. [Curtly,] I'll listen. 

Eose. You know — you know I said last 
night — I said that I would marry you — 

John. Ay, I have your promise. And 
you said once you kept your promises. 

Eose. Ay, and I'll stand to what I said, 
unless — unless — But for your own sake — 
Ah, John Margeson, you know, you know ! 
I was mad last night, mad when I pledged 
myself to you. I never loved you. I could 
not love you. You know the man I love. 

John. I know that once, here in this 
very spot, you taunted me with breach of 

152 



A ROSE 0* PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

faith, because of a gossips' rumor. You're 
not so strict to-day in the matter of keep- 
ing faith. Eemember, mistress, whate'er 
was said of me, I never broke my solemn 
word. 

Rose. Nor have I. Nor will I. You 
have my pledge, you will do with me as 
you list. But my heart — look in my eyes, 
John Margeson ! — never will you have my 
heart — never — to eternity! 

John. Let your heart stray, if it dare, 
so that I have you — [Catches her in his 
arms.] you — the you I hold — that I hold 
from Garrett Foster. 

Rose. Oh! Oh! [A long shudder.] 

John. I have your pledge, I say — your 
solemn pledge that you may not break, not 
till the day I, too, prove a false speaker. 
[Enter Standish C, in armour, with 
his musket.] 

Standish. Margeson ! Well met ! 

John. [Apprehensively.] What would 
you, Captain? 

Standish. Nay, lad, I want but to look 
upon you, for verily you stand a new man 
in my eyes ! 

153 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

John. [Starts and shrinks.] Captain, 
what — 

Standish. John, this many a day I've 
wronged you in my thoughts. Rose, your 
woman's eyes saw clearer than my own to 
this man's heart. 

Rose. John, what does he mean? 
John. Nay, I — I — 

Standish. I mean, lass, 'tis thanks to 
this man, your plighted lover, that the set- 
tlement this day was saved from the sav- 
ages. 

[Re-enter Garrett C, and Philippe 
R., and listen intently.] 
Rose. What ! Captain ! 

Standish. There was a breach in the 
stockade, and John Margeson held that 
breach alone until we brought him help. 
Then he slipped away. The snow was so 
thick, faith, John, I could not have guessed 
who fought that fight, but for the crimson 
of that old coat of thine that gleamed 
through the snow. 

John. My crimson coat! God! 

Gakrett. [Starting forward.] Captain! 

Rose. And John — John's fight saved 

154 



A ROSE 0> PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

the settlement! Oh, I can bear life the 
better ! 

Philippe. [In amazement,'] His fight 
saved the settlement 1 It was John Marge- 
son who held the stockade ! 

Standish. John Marges on and no 
other. [To Garrett.] Foster, you would 
speak with me f 

Gakkett. I — I — [hesitates, looking at 
Rose.] Oh, 'twas naught. They say you 
sail this night with aid to Wessagusett. 
Let me go with you, Captain ! Let me go 
with you! 

Standish. Have your will. Get your 
arms! John, bid them beat the long roll 
in the street. Philippe, look to my musket 
[Tosses it to Philippe.], then bear it to the 
shallop. We sail within the hour. 

[Exuent Standish C, Philippe R„ 
John starts to door C, but pauses 
by window in thought. Rose starts 
to door R. Garrett goes to her.] 

Garrett. Eose! You are happier for 
that John Margeson bore himself bravely 
to-day? 

Rose. Must I not be happier f He may 

155 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN, 

be harsh and bitter, but he is a brave man. 
I can at least respect him. Oh, it is far, 
far easier now — this troth-plight that I 
cannot break. 

Gaekett. I would make all things easier 
for you, God knows! [Impulsively Rose 
catches Ms hand in hers, laying her left 
hand on his arm. She touches the wound 
and involuntarily he shrinks with pain.] 

Rose. Garrett! Your arm! You're 
wounded ! 

Garrett. Nothing? A scratch — an old 
hurt that opened last night. And you be- 
lieve that I would make you happy, were 
it in my power! 

Rose. I believe it, Garrett. [Exit Rose 
R.} 

Garrett. God keep you happy! [Tales 
a pistol and a cleaning rag from table, 
turns to door C] 

John. [Coming forward.] Garrett 
Foster! 

Garrett. Ay! 

John. Touching that coat — 

Garrett. Your crimson coat — the coat 

156 



IX 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

that man wore who fought at the broken 
stockade? 

John. Ay. Do you — Will you — 
Garrett. [Looking him in the face.] 
I will not make it known — no, never! — 
what man wore that coat. 

John. [Holding out his hand.] Foster, 
I— 

Garrett. [Striking down his hand sav- 
agely.] Damn you. Is it for your sake I 
keep that silence? 

[Re-enter Rose and Philippe R. John 

goes sloivly out C. Garrett steps 

through door and stands watching 

him go.] 

Philippe. Kose, dear! We did not 

know him. You've chosen wisely. What! 

There are tears in your eyes ! 

Kose. No, no, I say! I will not weep — 
not yet ! 'Twas just when they two stood 
here together — Nay, John is a brave man. 
Oh, I must not look back. I must not look 
back! [Philippe kisses her.] 

[Exit Philippe C». Garrett presently 
re-enters and stands by window, 
cleaning his pistol awkwardly with 
his left hand, his back to the room.] 

157 



"A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Rose. And yet life goes on with me. 
There will be going up and down, and 
daily tasks to do, ay, and to seem merry 
in the face of the world. Merry ! I won- 
der if I shall ever laugh again. Well, at 
least I can set the rooms to rights, like a 
good housewife — a fit wife for John Mar- 
geson! [Sets room to rights, spies the 
crimson coat on the floor.] What is that? 
Why, what is here? [Picks up coat.] 
Whose coat? Oh, John's coat — the crim- 
son coat the Captain knew him by. How 
comes it here? [Looks at Garrett, who is 
back to her, then at coat.] If it were — 0, 
God! If it were! [Hides coat behind 
her.] Garrett! [Imperatively.] Garrett! 

Garrett. Ay. Did you call, Rose? 
[Comes down, still cleaning pistol.] 

Rose. What do you there? How awk- 
wardly you work! Is it your old wound 
makes your arm so slow, so clumsy — your 
old wound? 

Garrett. [Sadly.] Old wound3 are 
slow to heal. 

[Rose presses her hand on the hurt 
place; he shrinks.] 

158 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Eose. And that old wound — it seems 
strangely tender — for an old wound ! Had 
I not best look to it, ere you go ? 

Garrett. I tell you, it is nothing. Nay, 
do not touch me! 

Eose. How was it you said you were 
hurt? 

Garrett. A knife cut. 

Eose. A knife cut? [With feigned 
carelessness.] Then 'twas you yourself 
did cut the arrow from your wound? 

Garrett. [Falling into her trap.] 
Surely ! Who else was there to cut it out ? 

Eose. Then it was an arrow! It was 
an arrow — no old wound — an arrow— shot 
to-day — cut out to-day — 

Garrett. Nay, what are you saying? 
I— 

Eose. Peace, I say ! Look at this coat — 
this crimson coat — look, look. Here in the 
sleeve, an arrow-cut — an arrow-cut! 

Garrett. Eose ! 

Eose. Here in the sleeve, above the 
place where you bear a bandaged arm. 
Hath John Margeson a wound, old or new? 

159 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

Did John Margeson wear that coat to-day! 
Did John Margeson fight that fight to-day? 
Nay, 'twas you — and you would have given 
him that fight for my happiness' sake! 
[Re-enter Standish and John C] 
Standish. Eose ! What outcry is this f 
Rose. A cry that shall ring through 
Plymouth! 'Twas Garrett Foster, not 
John Margeson, that fought that fight to- 
day — it was Garrett Foster, not John 
Margeson, that saved the settlement! 

John. [Coming down to Garrett.] 
Curse you ! You told it — you told it ! You 
told 'twas you wore my coat ! 

Rose. He did not tell it ! 'Tis you who 
tell it — you! Captain, you heard — you 
heard ! 

Standish. [Sternly.] I heard what he 
must answer to ! 

John. [To Rose, piteously.] You 
would betray me — you who plighted troth 
— who promised — 

Rose. Whose promise was to be mine 
again — you said it! — when I proved you 
spoke false. Have you spoke false here, 
when you claimed this man's good fight — 

160 



A ROSE 0' PLYMOUTH-TOWN. 

a coward's lie — yes or no — yes or no? 
[John turns away in silence.] Ah ! 

Standish. [Motions to door C, with the 
same gesture he used to Garrett in Act I.] 
Go out before me! [John goes out C, 
with head bent.] 

Garrett. [Incredulously.] Eose! 

Standish. Eose ! You will break faith — 

Eose. Nay, Captain, by your leave, I 
will keep faith — the faith I pledged long 
ago, when I swore to kiss the better man ! 
[Holds out her hands to Garrett.] 

CURTAIN 



161 



JAN 4 



